Name: Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1.5 oz vodka; 0.75 oz Aperol; 0.5 oz simple syrup (directions in post); 4 oz fresh grapefruit juice; 2-3 mint leaves; club soda or sparkling water (optional); ice

If you're looking for a refreshing cocktail for this spring (or anytime), then try this Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail! It's tart, herbal, a little sweet and completely invigorating. And so easy to make! With only a handful of ingredients, you should be able to find everything you need at your local grocery store. I can't wait to drink this on my back patio this spring or by the pool this summer! You can also make this cocktail in batch form if you're serving a group of people.

Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail Ingredients:

For this cocktail you will need grapefruit, vodka, Aperol, mint and simple syrup. Also some club soda or sparkling water to top, but that's totally optional.

What is Aperol?

If you haven't heard of Aperol you might have heard of it's slightly more popular friend, Campari. They taste similar in some ways, but Aperol is an Italian apéritif made of gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona. It's delicious and mixes great into tons of cocktails.

Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail Instructions:

To make this cocktail, add vodka, Aperol, mint, syrup and grapefruit juice to a shaker. Muddle/crush mint leaves into liquid slightly to break apart. (You don't have to muddle if you're pinched for time. If you shake vigorously enough the mint will fall apart.) Add ice, shake for 30 seconds and then strain into a glass with fresh ice. Top with club soda or sparkling water. Garnish with mint and grapefruit. I also add some edible flowers.

How to make simple syrup:

In a small saucepan bring ¼ cup sugar and ¼ cup water to boil. Stir constantly until dissolved. Turn down heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes. Allow to cool completely before adding to cocktail.