When I want something elegant yet totally refreshing, I turn to this Grapefruit Lillet Cocktail.
It’s light, floral, and citrusy with the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Made with gin, Lillet Blanc, grapefruit juice, and a splash of elderflower liqueur, this easy cocktail is my go-to for brunches, summer evenings, or anytime I want a classy sip without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bright and citrus-forward with floral notes
Easy to shake up in minutes
Elegant enough for a dinner party, simple enough for weeknights
Made with only 5 ingredients
No fancy syrups or infusions required
Ingredient Highlights
Grapefruit Juice: You can use bottled for convenience or freshly squeezed for a more vibrant, tart flavor.
It brings the crisp citrus foundation.
Lillet Blanc: A light French aperitif with hints of honey, citrus, and herbs—adds complexity and balance to the drink.
Gin: Choose a clean dry gin like Hendrick’s for a botanical base.
This keeps the cocktail crisp and aromatic.
St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur: Adds a beautiful floral layer and slight sweetness that ties all the ingredients together.
Lemon Juice or Bitters: A small splash of fresh lemon or a couple dashes of lemon bitters sharpens the flavor and brightens the finish.
Grapefruit or Lemon Peel: A simple garnish that enhances the citrus aroma and makes the drink feel complete.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use fresh grapefruit juice if you like more natural tartness.
Chill your glass before pouring to keep the cocktail crisp.
Shake vigorously—this cocktail benefits from some dilution and chill.
Express the citrus peel over the drink to release its oils for maximum aroma.
How to Make the Grapefruit Lillet Cocktail
Step 1: Build the Cocktail
Add grapefruit juice, Lillet Blanc, gin, St-Germain, and lemon juice or bitters to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Step 2: Shake
Seal the shaker and shake well for about 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
Step 3: Strain and Garnish
Strain into a chilled martini glass, coupe, or Nick and Nora glass.
Garnish with a twist of grapefruit peel or lemon peel.
What to Serve It With
Light appetizers like goat cheese crostini or smoked salmon canapés
A fresh arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette
Lemon shortbread cookies or a citrus tart for dessert
Variations and Substitutions
Try rosé Lillet for a slightly pink hue and fruitier twist
Replace gin with vodka for a milder version
Swap grapefruit juice for blood orange juice for a seasonal variation
Use orange bitters instead of lemon bitters for a warmer flavor
Storage Tips
This cocktail is best served immediately after shaking.
If you want to prep ahead for a party, you can combine the juices and spirits in a pitcher (without ice) and chill for a few hours.
Shake individual portions with ice just before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this a batch cocktail?
Yes! Multiply the ingredients and combine in a pitcher.
Keep chilled and shake individual servings with ice when ready.
What kind of gin works best?
A London dry gin or a floral gin like Hendrick’s works beautifully in this cocktail.
Is Lillet Blanc alcoholic?
Yes, it’s a fortified wine with about 17% ABV—similar to vermouth.
Can I skip the elderflower liqueur?
You can, but it adds an elegant floral sweetness that really elevates the drink.
Can I use lemon bitters instead of lemon juice?
Absolutely. Bitters add depth without dilution, making it a great option.
What’s the best glass to serve it in?
A Nick and Nora or coupe glass is perfect for presentation and volume.
How strong is this cocktail?
Moderately strong and very balanced—about the strength of a glass of wine.
Final Thoughts
This Grapefruit Lillet Cocktail is one of those drinks that looks sophisticated but comes together in seconds.
It’s floral, crisp, and citrusy—everything I love in a refreshing aperitif.
Whether you’re toasting brunch or sipping at sunset, this elegant cocktail is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
