Grapefruit Syrup

Name: Grapefruit syrup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar (200g); 1 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (240ml, approx 2 grapefruits); 1 teaspoon grapefruit zest

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Make this simple Grapefruit Syrup in under 15 minutes! A vibrant, tangy-sweet homemade syrup that adds a citrus punch to drinks, pancakes, desserts, and more.

Wooden table with a glass bottle of grapefruit syrup next to slices of pink grapefruit.

If you love the slightly bitter, floral tang of grapefruit, then you're going to love this simpe Grapefruit Syrup!

It’s sweet, tart, and incredibly easy to make with just three ingredients—grapefruit juice, zest, and sugar.

The result is a beautifully vibrant syrup with a balanced flavor that enhances everything from cocktails to pancakes.

I first started making fruit syrups when I got into homemade cocktails, and grapefruit was an instant favorite.

It pairs beautifully with gin, vodka, and tequila, and I love using it as a paloma syrup. But it’s just as delicious drizzled over yogurt or mixed into sparkling water.

This syrup captures all the best parts of grapefruit without any of the bitterness, making it a fantastic way to add fresh citrus flavor to just about anything.

Over the years, I’ve used it in everything from sorbets to salad dressings. It’s also a great way to use up extra grapefruit when they’re in season, especially since fresh citrus always beats anything store-bought.

One thing I’ve learned: don’t skip the zest. It’s what gives the syrup its deeper grapefruit flavor, adding complexity that juice alone can’t provide. Just be sure to strain it well at the end for a smooth syrup.

Love grapefruit? Be sure to also try Grapefruit Watercress Donuts with Grapefruit Pearls!

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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Serving Suggestions
Storage
Recips Tips
FAQs
Grapefruit Cocktails
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💬 Comments

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Minimal Ingredients: You only need three simple ingredients—grapefruit, sugar, and zest.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes with almost no effort.
Versatile: Perfect for drinks, desserts, breakfasts, and more.
Homemade Goodness: No artificial flavors, just pure citrus brightness.
Shelf-Stable: Stores well in the fridge for up to three weeks.

Ingredients

Wooden table with a dish of sugar and cut grapefruits.

Grapefruit Juice: Freshly squeezed is best for the brightest flavor. If you’re using bottled juice, make sure it’s 100% grapefruit with no added sugar.
Sugar: Regular white sugar works best for a clean, balanced sweetness. You can use honey or agave, but it will slightly alter the flavor.
Grapefruit Zest: This intensifies the citrusy aroma and flavor. Just be careful not to get too much of the bitter white pith when zesting.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.

Add all ingredients to a pot, stir, and bring nearly to the boil over a medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.

Carefully strain over a bowl to remove the zest. It will thicken slightly as it cools.

Serving Suggestions

Cocktails: Mix into gin, vodka, or tequila drinks.
Mocktails: Add to sparkling water for a refreshing soda alternative.
Pancakes & Waffles: Drizzle over breakfast for a citrusy twist.
Yogurt & Granola: Swirl into Greek yogurt or oatmeal.
Ice Cream & Sorbet: Pour over vanilla ice cream or blend into homemade sorbet.
Topping: Swirl it onto Whipped Cottage Cheese with Fruit
Salad Dressings: Mix with olive oil and vinegar for a citrusy vinaigrette.
Baking: Use as a soak for cakes or in fruit fillings. Try it on Lemon Drizzle Traybake.
Tea Sweetener: Stir into hot or iced tea for a fruity flavor.
Cheesecake Topping: Drizzle over cheesecake for a bright citrus finish.
Drinks: Spritzers & lemonades. Try it in Rose Lemonade.
Drizzling over fruit. How to Make A Fruit Platter (Fruit Tray).
In homemade popsicles. Try it in Paletas or Kakigori Japanese Shaved Ice.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks.
Freezing: Freeze in small portions (like ice cube trays) for longer storage.
Make Ahead: Prep in advance and store in the fridge until needed.

A bottle of grapefruit simple syrup on a table.

Recips Tips

Use Fresh Grapefruit: Bottled juice won’t have the same depth of flavor.
Avoid the Pith: When zesting, avoid the bitter white part under the peel.
Simmer Gently: Don’t let it boil hard—gentle heat keeps flavors fresh.
Strain Well: If you want a completely smooth syrup, strain carefully.
Taste & Adjust: If it’s too tart, add a little extra sugar.

FAQs

Question 1

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Grapefruit Cocktails

Try your grapefruit simple syrup in these tasty cocktails!

Grapefruit Gin Spritz

1.5 oz gin
1 oz grapefruit syrup
3 oz soda water
Ice, grapefruit slice (garnish)

Mix everything over ice, stir, and garnish.

Grapefruit Margarita

2 oz tequila
1 oz grapefruit syrup
1 oz lime juice
Ice, salt rim (optional)

Shake with ice, strain into a glass, enjoy.

Grapefruit Vodka Sour

2 oz vodka
1 oz grapefruit syrup
0.75 oz lemon juice
Ice, grapefruit peel (garnish)

Shake with ice, strain into a glass, garnish.

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