Grapefruit Basil Bourbon Fizz
Tart grapefruit, bourbon, basil, and bubbles make a bright, easy cocktail for late afternoon unwinding.
Prep: 5 · Cook: 5 · Total: 10 · Serves: 2 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.6/5 (96 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
An original highball inspired by citrus-forward porch drinks and the fresh-herb fizz tradition.
Story
I like this one when the afternoon is easing into evening and I want something bright, not heavy. Grapefruit brings the sparkle, basil keeps it feeling fresh, and bourbon gives the drink a warm little backbone. The bubbles make it feel celebratory without asking for a special occasion. Pour two, take them outside, and let the day loosen its grip.
By Casey
Ingredients
- 4 oz bourbon
- 3 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz honey syrup
- 6 fresh basil leaves
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 3 oz chilled sparkling water
- Ice and grapefruit wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Make honey syrup by stirring equal parts honey and hot water until smooth, then cool briefly.
- Gently clap the basil leaves between your hands and add them to a shaker with bourbon, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, honey syrup, and bitters.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake hard for 10 seconds until the outside feels cold.
- Strain the drink into two ice-filled rocks glasses.
- Top each glass with sparkling water and give it one gentle stir.
- Garnish with a basil leaf and grapefruit wedge, then serve immediately.
Chef Tips
- Use fresh grapefruit juice for the cleanest flavor.
- Do not pulverize the basil or the drink can taste bitter.
- For a lighter pour, replace half the bourbon with extra sparkling water.
- Chill the glasses in the freezer while you prep the citrus.
Cook's Notes
- Use fresh grapefruit juice.
- Clap basil gently instead of muddling hard.
- Add sparkling water at the very end to keep the fizz lively.