Before we head down this cocktail path I’m just putting it out there that I have pretty much zero clue about making cocktails. Sooo I’m going to apologise in advance for a) just calling this a cocktail rather than a proper name (it’s vodka and fruit… I dunno man, does that have a real name?) and b) probably butchering it by shaking it too long, serving it in the wrong glasses et cetera, et cetera…
I say: let’s just enjoy all the coraly colours and fancy (although slightly failed) twists of grapefruit zest whilst trying not to laugh too much at my first attempt at making a drink.
Making this post has been a learning process. I think I’m better at learning by trying things rather than reading about them so I hope I’ll be able to pull off the next cocktail I make with a bit more finesse.
I did manage to pick up on the fact that the zest should be peeled a LOT thicker than I had been doing so for the photo below. So uh, if you’re planning on ever doing the curly zest thing, make sure you peel it thickly (get a bit of pith on it ) then curl it around the handle of a wooden spoon and leave it to sit for a while before using as a garnish.
Also a tip I learned: Don’t drink in the afternoon when you have other things to do. It’ll turn figuring out how to fix a computer monitor into a much longer feat.
The basis of the drink is grapefruit juice mixed with a rhubarb syrup that I jazzed up with a few strips of grapefruit peel and some sprigs of thyme. It is the most gorgeous cerise colour and I imagine doesn’t need to be used exclusively for ‘dranks’, but would be dreamy mixed with a bit of sparkling water for a fizzy, non-alcoholic drink. I could also see myself swirling it liberally into a plain froyo base which I’d inevitably devour in a very short space of time.
Anyway the syrup and juice are shaken up with vodka and ice to make a very pretty concoction. The rhubarb is a welcome background note here – at first I thought I couldn’t actually taste it but the more I sipped the more floral, complex flavours I could taste underneath the grapefruit twang.
All in all I’d say it was pretty successful! I know I’m probs making you pretty sceptical because I only just turned 18 so I’m no drinks expert, but it honestly was good. I’ve had a great time writing this post after enjoying those cocktails..ummm I meaaan…that one cocktail….and if you’d seen this post pre-spell-check you’d probably know what I mean. (I’m kidding guys, don’t worry)
But I’ve gotta go now because I just realised I have to make myself supper and it’s almost 8 pm.
(Yes I DIY-ed a mason jar cocktail shaker. Don’t hurt me)
Place the syrup, vodka and grapefruit juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake for 15 seconds. Strain the mixture over ice into two glasses. Garnish with the grapefruit zest and thyme sprigs, if desired.
To make the syrup combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook over a high heat stirring just until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to the boil then turn down the heat and leave to simmer until the rhubarb is falling apart. Push the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer placed over a bowl. Discard the pulp left in the strainer and transfer the pink syrup to a clean jar fitted with a lid. Store in the fridge until needed.
http://www.topwithcinnamon.com/2014/05/rhubarb-grapefruit-and-thyme-cocktails.html
This is such a gorgeous colour and it looks so refreshing! Also LOVE your DIY-ed cocktail shaker, very clever
“Savory Simple” shared this on FB, and I came running here for your recipe.
This looks & seems so refreshing, and I love that I could also make it virgin
P.S. How wonderful of you to be 18 and so talented?
I am looking forward to trying this out. You have inspired me to give more cocktails a try.
I really love it
Delicious Desserts
This looks simply delicious. I’m just wondering what theme you use for your blog– it’s stunning.
I use one called the Thesis theme which is basically a blank canvas and I just added all the other stuff myself! Thanks
This is beautiful! And sounds freaking amazing!
Looks very healthy! I must to try it, thanks!
This is definitely perfect for summer as it’s a healthy and refreshing. Gonna try this for tonight. My husband loves cocktail very much, he’ll surely love this.
Loving the photos <3