Thyme Infused Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail

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.

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.

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.

#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. 

#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.

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 ½ cups Campari, 1 ½ cups simple syrup, and 2 ¼ 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.

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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

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