Sparkling Ginger Grapefruit Mocktail

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Vegan/Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free/Nut-Free

Skill Level: Beginner

Yield: 1 mocktail (about 10 ounces)

Prep Time: 5-10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes (for the rosemary ginger simple syrup)

Equipment:

• Cutting board 

• Chef's knife 

• Microplane zester

• Small saucepan 

•  Small whisk

• Strainer 

• Bar spoon/spoon

• Shot glass measure/Jigger  

• Muddler (see note below if you don't have one)

• Cocktail shaker  or just a second glass

• 10-oz rocks glass 

The Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the rosemary ginger simple syrup:

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1-2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger

• 1-2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary

For the mocktail:

• 3-4 mint leaves, optional

• 3/4 ounce rosemary ginger simple syrup

• Pinch of salt

• 6-7 ounces grapefruit juice

• Splash of club soda (more or less to taste)

• Sprig of mint and grapefruit wedge to garnish, optional

Procedure:

1. Make the rosemary ginger simple syrup by combining the water, sugar, grated ginger, and chopped rosemary in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, whisking occasionally, until sugar is completely dissolved (2-3 minutes). Remove from heat, and allow mixture to steep in pan for about 15 minutes. Strain syrup through a fine mesh strainer and discard solids. Store your rosemary ginger simple syrup in the fridge for 2-3 weeks (if you notice any mold, discard immediately).

2. Add 3/4 ounce rosemary ginger syrup and mint leaves (if using) to the bottom of your rocks glass. Use a muddler to smash the mint up a bit and release the oils (if you are omitting the mint, you can skip this step).

3. Add a pinch of salt, then ice to the top of the glass, and finally add desired amount of grapefruit juice. I don't usually measure the juice, I just fill it up until it's about 1 inch from the top of the glass.

4. Pour everything into a shaker or another glass to mix it up a bit, and then pour back into your rocks glass. If desired, you could shake a few times before returning to your glass. Top with club soda, if desired.

To Serve: Garnish with a sprig of mint and a grapefruit wedge, if desired.

Tips:

• Although I always list drink garnishes as "optional," in my humble opinion they should be there. There is an awesome book I use as a resource called The Flavor Bible, and in the first chapter it talks about how aroma is responsible for as much as 80% or more of flavor. I think taking a drink of a flavorful cocktail or mocktail and inhaling the aroma of a sprig of herb or a twist of citrus really does enhance the overall experience.

• If you don't already have a muddler, don't buy one (unless you think you're going to get really into mixology, in which case I fully support you). You can use the handle-end of a wooden spoon as your muddler, or if you happen to own a French-style rolling pin, this would work great, too.

• The rosemary ginger simple syrup is really delicious, and could be used to enhance club soda, hot or iced tea, or any other flavors of juice.

• This mocktail is easily customizable to your tastes. Adjust the amount of rosemary ginger syrup, grapefruit juice, club soda, etc. I also think you could try substituting the club soda for gingerale for an additional boost of ginger flavor.

• I used bottled grapefruit juice in my mocktail (Simply brand is my favorite), but you could juice your own as well!

• This mocktail could easily be made into a cocktail if you're feeling frisky :) I would suggest vodka or tequila as good spirits to add!

The Story:

Although I am not participating in "dry January," it was one of my New Year's resolutions to cut back on drinking a bit this year! It has been going well, and it has pushed me to come up with some fun drink options for the nights I am not drinking. I've tried a few different types of kombucha, which I think are kind of fun, but I also wanted to come up with a fun and seasonal mocktail as well.

The harvest season for grapefruit ranges from state to state, but grapefruits from Florida and Texas (considered by some to be "the best") are in their prime from about November to June, which means we are right in the middle of a good time to buy grapefruit! When choosing a grapefruit, choose one that is free from any tears in the skin and that feels heavy for its size when you pick it up. Grapefruit is low in calories and high in vitamins, particularly vitamin C (you can get over half your daily requirement from just one medium-sized grapefruit).

Tart and sweet with herbaceous notes coming in from the rosemary, this sparkling ginger grapefruit mocktail (or cocktail) is sure to delight :)

Cheers!