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    Home » Drinks » Grapefruit Lillet Cocktail

    May 14, 2020 · Modified: May 14, 2020 by Sues · This post may contain affiliate links, uses cookies, and generates income via ads · View privacy policy + disclosure statement linked in footer · 13 Comments

    Grapefruit Lillet Cocktail

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    Made with only three ingredients, this Grapefruit Lillet Cocktail is the perfect combination of bitter and sweet.

    Head-on view of a grapefruit lillet cocktail in coup glass with second cocktail, thyme sprigs, and grapefruit edges in background and recipe title at top

    (This Grapefruit Lillet Cocktail recipe was originally published in March 2012, but has been updated with new photos and content in 2020).

    If I could only drink one cocktail for the rest of my life, it would probably be grapefruit-based. Not only is grapefruit one of my very favorite foods (for real!), but the juice pairs so well with so many types of alcohol.

    This cocktail is a simple one and requires just three ingredients:

    • Grapefruit juice (I like to use fresh-squeezed, but you can certainly use store-bought in a pinch)
    • Lillet blanc (see more on this below!)
    • Vodka (if you're like me, you always have a large bottle of vodka on hand)

    This deliciously simple cocktail was inspired by a drink from Frank Stitt at Highlands Bar and Grill in Birmingham, Alabama. A place I've never in my life been. But I spotted the recipe on Serious Eats and was immediately attracted to it given the grapefruit juice and the fact it's called The Great Gatsby. Which, you should know, is one of my top 3 favorite books of all time.

    When I first made this grapefruit Lillet cocktail back in 2012, I purchased a bottle of Lillet Blanc especially for it. And it quickly became one of the most welcome libations on my bar. Have you enjoyed it before?

    What is Lillet Blanc?

    If you are unfamiliar with Lillet, I'm happy to share a little bit more with you! It's an aperitif from the Bordeaux region of France that's in the same family as vermouth. Lillet contains wine, orange peel, and quinine, which is what gives it the bitter kick.

    There are several different varieties of Lillet and we use Blanc here, which is a little bit sweeter and a little bit less bitter than other types.

    While you can add Lillet Blanc to cocktails, it's also said to be quite delightful over ice with a little orange slice. My particular bottle says it's perfect for "those special times when day turns to evening and evening turns to night!" I think that means you're out partying and enjoying your beverages so much that you don't realize the day is flying by? I'll take it.

    Also, the bottle makes me happy.

    Head-on view of a bottle of Lillet Blanc

    Grapefruit Lillet Cocktail Recipe

    So, yes. This cocktail is definitely a bit bitter thanks to the combination of grapefruit and Lillet. I love bitter and this is so up my alley, but definitely keep this in mind if you're not a fan.

    To make the cocktail, start by juicing the grapefruit. Note that the color of the grapefruit Lillet cocktail will depend a lot on the color of your grapefruit. My grapefruits were a beautiful bold pink color and when mixed with the orange-y Lillet, my drink ended up a gorgeous shade. However, the first time I made this, my grapefruit were more of a light yellow and the drink was definitely much paler in color. I recommend using ruby red grapefruit for the best color.

    Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add grapefruit juice, vodka, and Lillet Blanc. Shake it up and pour into a coup glass (or other small glass). The original recipe recommends garnishing with orange peel (for a little more citrus zestiness), but I opted for a sprig of thyme instead.

    And a little tiny grapefruit wedge.

    Oh, and I should also mention that I rimmed the cocktail glasses in a little coarse sugar. The sugar helps cut the bitterness of the drink a bit. You don't have to do this, but any time I have an option to sugar a rim, I'm in!

    Head-on view of two grapefruit lillet cocktails with grapefruit wedges and cocktail shaker in background

    From the first time I made this grapefruit Lillet cocktail, it quickly became one of my very favorite drinks. Even Chris said it was one of the best I've ever made (he loves grapefruit, too!).

    I'm not typically a white wine fan, which is why I think I like the fact that the Lillet is added to a cocktail (with vodka!), but I'm actually excited to sit down with a glass of Lillet Blanc on the rocks just to see how I like it. I do love me a good bitter sipper.

    Landscape head-on view of two grapefruit lillet cocktails on a pink marble tray with grapefruit wedges, thyme sprigs, cocktail shaker, and bottle of Lillet in background

    And I totally get why the restaurant named this Grapefruit Lillet Cocktail the Great Gatsby. As Frank Stitt told Serious Eats, "...it makes you feel on top of the world, kind of like Gatsby." Agreed.

    Next up, I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to make Chris James Bond's Vesper with the Lillet. It's a martini consisting of gin, vodka, and lillet. Sounds a little intense to me, but if James Bond can handle it…

    Head-on view of a grapefruit lillet cocktail in coup glass with second cocktail, thyme sprigs, and grapefruit edges in background

    Nevermind. I should probably stick to lillet on the rocks or mixed with grapefruit juice and vodka.

    Do you enjoy grapefruit cocktails?

    If the answer is yes, you need to try my Spicy Grapefruit Margaritas and my Grapefruit Maple Derbys. I also really want to make this Ginger Grapefruit Kombucha from Brew Buch!

    Grapefruit Lillet Cocktail -- Made with only three ingredients, this Grapefruit Lillet Cocktail is the perfect combination of bitter and sweet and makes for a refreshing cocktail any time of year | wearenotmartha.com #grapefruit #lillet #lilletblanc #vodka #grapefruitcocktail #cocktails

    Grapefruit Lillet Cocktail

    Made with only three ingredients, this Grapefruit Lillet Cocktail is the perfect combination of bitter and sweet and makes for a refreshing cocktail any time of year.
    No ratings yet
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    Course: Drink
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Grapefruit Cocktails, Grapefruit Drinks, Vodka Cocktail Recipes
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Makes: 1 cocktail
    Author: Sues

    Ingredients

    • Coarse sugar, for rim (optional)
    • 1 oz. vodka
    • 1 oz. lillet blanc
    • 2 ½ oz. fresh squeezed grapefruit juice (ruby red preferred)
    • Rosemary, for garnish (optional)
    • Sprig of thyme or orange peel, for garnish

    Instructions

    • If you want a sugared rim, place coarse sugar on a small plate and moisten rim of coup glass (or other small cocktail glass) with a little grapefruit juice. Place glass upside-down on plate to coat rim in sugar.
    • Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add grapefruit juice, vodka, and Lillet Blanc.
    • Shake well and pour into prepared glass.
    • Garnish cocktail with small grapefruit wedge and a sprig of thyme or orange peel.

    Notes

    • Cocktail recipe adapted from Highlands Bar and Grill via Serious Eats.
    • Note: the color of the cocktail will depend a lot on the color of your grapefruit. Use ruby red grapefruit if you want a pinker looking drink rather than a yellow drink.
    • If you're in a rush or don't have access to fresh grapefruit,  you can use store-bought juice instead.
    Share a Photo of Your Finished Recipe!Mention @wearenotmartha and share a photo if you've made the recipe!
    Grapefruit Lillet Cocktail -- Made with only three ingredients, this Grapefruit Lillet Cocktail is the perfect combination of bitter and sweet and makes for a refreshing cocktail any time of year | wearenotmartha.com #grapefruit #lillet #lilletblanc #vodka #grapefruitcocktail #cocktails
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Amy says

      March 03, 2012 at 12:42 pm

      My boyfriend and I have been getting into learning more about cocktails over the last few months and having fun doing it! We bought a book called Bitters, which is chock full of info plus some great recipes. We also just took a class at The Boston Shaker (I'll be blogging on that later) which was so informative! We learned proper stirring/shaking techniques and much more- you should check it out! While there we learned about another amazing must-have for the liquor cabinet: Luxardo Maraschino - it's not sweet like the cherries- in fact if you've ever had a Hemingway Daiquiri then you've probably had this stuff. A month ago we didn't know what it was and now we can't imagine life without it!

    2. emily @ the happy home says

      March 03, 2012 at 8:34 pm

      i agree! it's been so hard to come up with new and fabulous drinks. this one looks wonderful, though!

    3. Healthy Jalapeño says

      March 04, 2012 at 2:43 pm

      Looks so refreshing and delicious! I'll take one please, I mean, it is past noon.

    4. Daisy says

      March 04, 2012 at 10:26 pm

      i like lillet a lot! I recall first trying it a couple years ago in a drink at ten tables! your cocktail looks fabulous.

    5. Gia Grossman says

      March 05, 2012 at 12:45 pm

      Such pretty pics! The drink is beautiful and I need to try lillet soon. Looks like my kinda drink!

    6. Barbara says

      March 05, 2012 at 1:05 pm

      How divine! Fill me up!

    7. mary says

      March 05, 2012 at 10:11 pm

      This sounds delicious and your photos today are wonderful. I'll have to try one of these this coming weekend. Have a great evening. Blessings...Mary

    8. Abby says

      March 05, 2012 at 11:58 pm

      So, I just got very excited to see you talking about Highlands Bar and Grill in Birmingham! One of my favorite Birmingham restaurants and where I read your blog (birmingham that is)! I can't wait to try Lillet and Great Gatsby!

    9. skinnybean says

      March 06, 2012 at 1:26 am

      Love these pictures! The colors are fantastic! Nom!

    10. Shannon says

      March 06, 2012 at 12:09 pm

      this sounds delicious!! and i've never heard of lillet, so i'm going to be learning along with you 🙂 let me know if you ever need another taste tester!

    11. Sues says

      March 07, 2012 at 1:49 am

      @Abby- That's awesome! It sounds like a place I'd like to visit 🙂 I have another cocktail I want to try from another Birmingham bar, too! You guys must have some fabulous bartenders over there!

    12. Lisa @ Snappy Gourmet says

      March 10, 2012 at 8:43 pm

      Sounds so refreshing and great for spring! Brings back great memories of when I lived in Birmingham!

    13. Donna says

      March 26, 2012 at 12:54 am

      We had a Great Gatsby themed party last night and served this drink! Delicious!! A huge hit with all the girls. Thanks for the recipe 🙂

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