Pink Grapefruit Mocktail

This grapefruit mocktail recipe is bright, citrusy, and super easy to sip on. Made with 100% grapefruit juice, fresh-squeezed lime juice, simple syrup, and lemon-lime soda, this refreshing mocktail is the perfect drink any time of year!

You guys know I love mocktail recipes. They’re a great way to include kids and those abstaining from alcohol in the fun. In addition to our mojito mocktail and our frozen pina colada mocktail, this wonderfully tart grapefruit juice mocktail is always on heavy rotation in our house.

If you love grapefruit and have been looking for non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy, this bright, citrus-forward, and delicious pink grapefruit mocktail is just what you’ve been looking for. 

Whether you’re in need of tasty drinks for dry January, are looking for delicious mocktails to enjoy during pregnancy (or with a pregnant friend), or you are just hankering for a refreshing mocktail, this grapefruit mocktail is the perfect choice!

What is a Mocktail?

Mocktails are specialty non-alcoholic drinks. Sometimes they are non-alcoholic versions of cocktails, and sometimes they are fun drink recipes all on their own. Mocktails are great for those wishing to abstain from alcohol, for kids, and for pregnant women.

Why You’ll Love This Mocktail with Grapefruit Juice

So easy to make! Measure, stir, and enjoy!

Perfect balance of tart and sweet. This mocktail is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy.

Super refreshing! The burst of flavor from the combination of grapefruit and lime is bold and refreshing, making it a good mocktail option for a hot day.

Takes just a few minutes to make. It will take you less than 5 minutes to mix up this easy mocktail recipe, so you can enjoy it easily any time.

Has a Paloma vibe without the booze! This drink tastes very similar to a Paloma, but without the alcohol. If you love the classic tequila-based cocktail but are abstaining for alcohol for any reason, try this Paloma mocktail recipe.

Ingredients to Make a Grapefruit Mocktail

• 100% Pink Grapefruit Juice. You can used fresh grapefruit juice or store-bought grapefruit juice for this mocktail recipe. I like to use store-bought because it’s easy and convenient.
• Fresh-Squeezed Lime Juice. You will need at least 1 lime for this recipe. If you plan to make a few glasses to share with friends or family, make sure to pick up a few when you’re at the store! Fresh lime juice really is better than store-bought. However, you can use store-bought lime juice in a pinch.
• Simple Syrup. Simple syrup is a common way of sweetening drinks, and is especially great for cold drinks (no sugar granules here!). You can use store bought, however making homemade simple syrup is super easy too! All you need is water, sugar, a small saucepan, and about 10 minutes to prep your own.
• Lemon-Lime Soda. I usually grab 7up or Sprite because I can get them in mini cans (I don’t drink a lot of soda). You can use a naturally-sweetened kind like Zevia if preferred.
• Ice Cubes. Used to chill our delicious drink.
• Optional Garnish: A pink grapefruit wedge is a great option for this mocktail. A wedge of lime, sprigs of rosemary, or a sprig of fresh mint are all great garnish choices too.

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Pink Grapefruit Mocktail Recipe Variations

• Add a sugar or salt rim. Give your drink a grapefruit margarita mocktail vibe with a sugar or salt rim! I often will do half sugar and half salt on a rim.
• Try a rosemary simple syrup instead of standard simple syrup. A lot of people enjoy the herby flavor of rosemary paired with grapefruit juice. So if you’d like to make this into a grapefruit and rosemary mocktail, swap a rosemary simple syrup one-for-one with the plain simple syrup amount listed on the recipe card.

Having a Party? Make this Mocktail into a Non-Alcoholic Punch!

In need of an easy punch recipe? Turn this sparkling grapefruit mocktail recipe into a large-scale non-alcoholic drink recipe for your guests to enjoy! Just use the same ratio of each ingredient, multiplied out to fill whatever bowl or drink dispenser you plan to serve your party drink in.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Fill a lowball (or rocks glass) full of ice. Add grapefruit juice to the glass.

Step 2: Pour fresh-squeezed lime juice into the glass.

Step 3: Add simple syrup to the glass.

Step 4: Top with lemon-lime soda.

Step 5: Stir to combine.

Step 6: Garnish with a slice of pink grapefruit if desired.

Helpful Equipment

• Jigger
• Bar Spoon
• Cocktail Picks

Pink Grapefruit Mocktail Recipe FAQs

How do I make this into a cocktail recipe?

Yes! For those who’d like to kick things up a notch, add 1-2oz of vodka, tequila, or gin to turn this into a grapefruit cocktail. You could also replace the lemon-lime soda with champagne or sparkling wine for a grapefruit spritzer!

Can I make this into a refined sugar free mocktail?

Yes. If you’re looking to reduce the amount of added sugar in your diet, you will just need to make two tweaks to this recipe.

First, Select a lemon-lime soda that fits this requirement. While I usually make my mocktail recipes with Sprite or 7up (because I can buy them in mini-cans), there are sugar-free soda options you can select instead! My go-to sugar-free soda is Zevia, which I can find readily at my local grocery store.

Second, select a natural sweetener to replace the simple syrup. I would recommend using agave (start with a half ounce and add more to taste). But you could also try pure maple syrup, or my honey simple syrup too! Just note that both maple and honey will alter the flavor profile of your drink.