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Home » Cocktails » Thyme Infused Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail

March 12, 2020 · Updated February 7, 2022

Thyme Infused Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail

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A top view of four glasses of fresh grapefruit cocktail sit on a wooden tray. Fresh thyme sprigs sit next to one glass. There are garnishments of a cherry and slice of grapefruit sitting on the glass. A half grapefruit sits in the middle of the glasses.

Happy Hour just got “happier” with this Thyme Infused Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail. Splash in some freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, good vodka, Campari and you have the making of a relaxing evening sipping a refreshing libation. The thyme infusion is found in the simple syrup which kisses this drink with a tinge of sweetness.

A front view of four glasses of fresh grapefruit cocktail. Fresh thyme sprigs sit next to one glass. There are garnishments of a cherry and slice of grapefruit sitting on the glass. A half grapefruit is in the background.

My neighbor across the street invited me over late one Friday afternoon recently for a cocktail that had grapefruit vodka and cranberry juice mixed together. A simple drink but very refreshing. Both the company and the cocktail was a nice ending to a very crazy week.

The following Sunday morning my husband and I went for brunch and the restaurant offered a grapefruit cocktail (which of course I had to try) and this second-time-around made me realize how perfect grapefruit is in a cocktail. I spent a couple of days trying a few different ideas with various ingredients and out came this lovely boozy drink. (btw … I love my job!)

The Making of this Thyme Infused Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail

#1 – How to Make Simple Syrup

Simple syrups are called “simple” for a reason. Because they’re so simple! Three steps and you have easily concocted one.

  • Combine equal amounts of sugar and water.
  • In a small sauce, bring these two ingredients to a boil and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
  • Remove it from the stove and let it completely cool. Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four weeks. It’s so convenient whenever you’re in the mood to throw together a cocktail.

A pan of sugar and sprigs of thyme are ready to make simple syrup. Half a grapefruit and a colorful napkin sit next to the pan.

Thyme Infused Simple Syrup

Infused simple syrups are so dang easy but are such a nice addition to so many cocktails. And the sky’s the limit with what you can use to infuse the syrup. With this recipe, I threw in five or six sprigs of thyme to one cup each of water and sugar and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. I pulled it off the heat and once it’s cooled, strained out the thyme and stored it in the refrigerator.

A few ideas for infusing simple syrups for other types of cocktails:

  • Vanilla Bean, split and opened
  • Other Herbs: Rosemary, Basil or Mint
  • Cinnamon Sticks
  • Orange Peels and Cloves
  • Fresh Cranberries
  • Berries: strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries

If you want a comprehensive list of simple syrup ideas, check out this post from imbibemagazine.com. I think you will find it very helpful.

# 2 – How to make Grapefruit Zested Sugar 

Another brilliant idea for cocktails is a flavored sugar or salt rim. Which again is so easy to make but adds a really nice dimension to the drink. There are many variations to rim a glass. Just make sure the rimmed glass complements whatever cocktail you are serving. For this Thyme Infused Ruby Red Grapefruit Cocktail, I added grapefruit zest to about half a cup of sugar. Here’s a great link from bonappetit.com for different ideas to rim your glasses.

Zesting a grapefruit over a white plate holding sugar and zest. Half a grapefruit sits in the background.

#3 – How to Rim Cocktail Glasses

Turn a wide mouth glass upside down and dip the rim into a shallow saucer of water.  Pull out the glass and shake off any excess water.

Add the grapefruit zested sugar to another saucer, tilt the glass and coat only the glass’s outer rim. This will keep the garnish from falling into the cocktail itself and compromising its taste. 

A glass is being rimmed with grapefruit zested sugar. Half grapefruits sit in the background.

#4 – Thyme Infused Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail is ready in less than five minutes

Cocktails are one of the easiest things to throw together. This grapefruit cocktail made with vodka and Campari took less than five minutes once the simple syrup had cooled. For this cocktail, I simply added two ounces cucumber flavored vodka, one ounce Campari, one ounce thyme-infused simple syrup, and two ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. Stir these ingredients all together and add them to a sugar-rimmed glass filled with ice.

  • Vodka – I used Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose for this drink to add a little more grapefruit flavor. But you could use your favorite regular vodka as well. A good gin would also be great in this cocktail. 
  • Campari – is alcohol that is infused with bitter herbs, aromatic plants, and fruit. The distinctive red color is what gives this cocktail its gorgeous hue. It’s considered a bitters, so you want to be careful not to add too much. 
  • Freshly Squeezed Grapefruit Juice – you can use 100% grapefruit juice from the refrigerated section of your grocery store, but honestly, there is nothing like fresh-squeezed.

A front view of four glasses of fresh grapefruit cocktail. Fresh thyme sprigs sit next to one glass. There are garnishments of a cherry and slice of grapefruit sitting on the glass. A half grapefruit is in the background.

Can You Make a Pitcher for a Group

By all means! If you are throwing a party or a “happy hour” get-together, combining a pitcher is the best decision you’ll make for the evening. It’ll free you up so you don’t have to play bartender all night. Here’s the scoop for a pitcher that serves 12. Three cups vodka, 1 1/2 cups Campari, 1 1/2 cups simple syrup, and 2 1/4 cups grapefruit juice. 

Since the weather is turning so nice here in the Midwest, my plan is to enjoy one of these Thyme Infused Grapefruit Vodka Cocktails with my husband out on our deck this evening. Relaxing, breathing in the gorgeous high 60 degrees temperatures, hanging out with our two Goldendoodle puppies, in general, loving life – it doesn’t get any better than that.

A top view of four glasses of fresh grapefruit cocktail sit on a wooden tray. Fresh thyme sprigs sit next to one glass. There are garnishments of a cherry and slice of grapefruit sitting on the glass. A half grapefruit sits in the middle of the glasses.

Pin this Recipe for Later

Check out some of my favorite cocktail recipes:

Limoncello Margaritas

Moscow Mules with a Cucumber Twist

Berry Infused White Rum Mojito

Red Wine Sangria

Basil and Fresh Peach Bourbon Cocktail

Print

Thyme Infused Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail

A front view of four glasses of fresh grapefruit cocktail. Fresh thyme sprigs sit next to one glass. There are garnishments of a cherry and slice of grapefruit sitting on the glass. A half grapefruit is in the background.
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 3 reviews

This cocktail splashes in freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, a good vodka and Campari. A thyme infused simple syrup kisses this drink with a tinge of sweetness.

  • Author: Kristy Murray
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 Cocktail 1x
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: No Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Thyme Infused Simple Syrup

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 5 or 6 large Sprigs of Thyme

Thyme Infused Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail

  • 2 ounces Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit and Rose Vodka
  • 1 ounce Campari
  • 1 ounce Thyme Infused Simple Syrup (above)
  • 2 ounces Freshly Squeezed Grapefruit Juice

Instructions

Thyme Infused Simple Syrup

  • Combine one cup water, one cup granulated sugar and 5 or 6 large sprigs of thyme in a small sauce pan.
  • Bring to a low boil and cook until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  • Turn heat down to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Let completely cool and store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks.

Thyme Infused Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail

  • Combine 2 ounces grapefruit vodka, 1 ounce Campari, 1 ounce thyme infused simple syrup (above), 2 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice in a pourable cup and gently mix all together.
  • To make a pitcher, look in the notes below.
  • Dip the rim of the cocktail glass into a saucer of water and then a saucer of grapefruit zested sugar.
  • Add ice cubes to the glass and pour in the cocktail.
  • ENJOY

Notes

  • For the sugar rimmed glasses, I added grapefruit zest to about half a cup of sugar. Turn a wide mouth glass upside down and dip the rim into a shallow saucer of water. Pull out the glass and shake off any excess water.
  • Add the grapefruit zested sugar to another saucer, tilt the glass and coat only its outer rim. This will keep the garnish from falling into the cocktail itself and compromising its taste.
  • I used Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit & Rose for this drink to add a little more grapefruit flavor. But you could use your favorite regular vodka as well. A good gin would also be great in this cocktail.
  • Campari is considered a bitters, so you want to be careful not to add too much.
  • You can use 100% grapefruit juice from the refrigerated section of your grocery store, but honestly, there is nothing like fresh-squeezed.
  • Here’s the recipe for a pitcher that serves 12. Three cups vodka, 1 1/2 cups Campari, 1 1/2 cups simple syrup, and 2 1/4 cups grapefruit juice.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Cocktail
  • Calories: 313
  • Sugar: 33 g
  • Sodium: 8 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail, Grapefruit and Vodka Cocktail, Grapefruit Vodka Recipes, Grapefruit Juice and Vodka Cocktail

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Filed Under: Cocktails

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jeff the Chef says

    March 12, 2020 at 8:44 am

    This sounds like a really refreshing cocktail, and it’s such a beautiful color. I think the thyme syrup really puts it over the top!

    Reply
    • Kristy Murray says

      March 12, 2020 at 9:36 am

      Thanks so much Jeff. The cocktail really is “pretty.” And I’m so looking forward to this weekend to enjoy it again with this warmer weather here in KC.

      Reply
  2. Venita Black says

    March 13, 2020 at 10:24 am

    Looks so pretty and I love grapefruit. Will definitely need to try this one!

    Reply
    • Kristy Murray says

      March 13, 2020 at 3:09 pm

      Awww Venita! You’re so sweet. I’ll make it for you the next time we’re together.

      Reply
  3. mimi rippee says

    March 13, 2020 at 4:36 pm

    I’m old, so maybe I’m a traditionalist, but I don’t like botanical cocktails. No lavender, no thyme. But all of the other ingredients sound wonderful together! And the photos are lovely.

    Reply
    • Kristy Murray says

      March 18, 2020 at 12:44 pm

      I totally get it Mimi. There are certain cocktails that I want the “true and tried” old fashioned way. But sometimes I like to venture out and try new things. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  4. Carrie Tyler says

    March 18, 2020 at 3:52 am

    Did you know how important this recipe would be as we are all stuck in our homes??? Kidding aside, this looks so creative and refreshing. I love grapefruit and love that you made it the star here!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Kristy Murray says

      March 18, 2020 at 12:47 pm

      Oh My Gosh, Carrie! I had no idea how important this cocktail would be when I first developed it. But Oh, how perfect it is right now. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your kind comments. Stay Safe!

      Reply
  5. Abbe@This is How I Cook says

    May 22, 2020 at 3:50 pm

    I have so much thyme and what a great way to use it! Love the grapefruit zested sugar, too!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Kristy Murray says

      May 23, 2020 at 9:40 am

      Thanks so much Abbe. Thyme is taking over my herb garden as well. It really is a nice addition to the grapefruit in this cocktail. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.

      Reply
  6. ritu thakre says

    June 27, 2020 at 11:01 am

    what a great recipe!
    thanks for sharing us.

    Reply
    • Kristy Murray says

      July 5, 2020 at 3:56 pm

      Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment.

      Reply
  7. Eric says

    April 9, 2021 at 4:59 pm

    This is what I need right about now! The perfect cocktail to sip while sitting on our deck. Thanks for sharing.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Kristy Murray says

      April 9, 2021 at 5:29 pm

      Hi Eric. The cocktail really is a refreshing drink to sit and sip on the deck. The thyme and grapefruit go nice with the vodka.

      Reply

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