Caramelized Grapefruit Cocktail
- Level: Easy
- Yield: 1 serving
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Active Time: 5 minutes
Discover the magic of broiled citrus in this elegant cocktail. Gentle heat unlocks a deeper, honeyed sweetness in fresh grapefruit that pairs beautifully with bourbon's warm vanilla and caramel notes. A honey-thyme infused syrup adds a sophisticated floral and herbal complexity that elevates this libation beyond the ordinary. Prepare extra caramelized grapefruit juice to drizzle over fresh fruit platters or enjoy in additional cocktails throughout your week.
Ingredients:
- Ice
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 1 1/2 ounces Caramelized Grapefruit Juice, recipe follows
- 1/2 ounce Honey-Thyme Simple Syrup, recipe follows
- Strip of grapefruit zest, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the bourbon, Caramelized Grapefruit Juice, and Honey-Thyme Simple Syrup. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled and combined. Pour into a lowball glass filled with fresh ice and garnish with a grapefruit zest strip.
Caramelized Grapefruit Juice:
Yield: 1/2 cup
- Position your oven rack to the upper third and preheat the broiler to high. Place grapefruit halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. Broil for 5-8 minutes until the flesh caramelizes and turns golden brown. Allow to cool slightly, then press the juice through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl.
Honey-Thyme Simple Syrup:
Yield: 1/3 cup
- Combine water, honey, and thyme sprigs in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a gentle boil and honey dissolves completelyabout 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs before using.
Make both the caramelized grapefruit juice and honey-thyme syrup ahead of time for convenient cocktail preparation whenever the mood strikes.
