Sweet, zesty, and perfect for warm nights! Make a batch of Homemade Grapefruit Liqueur and enjoy a bright sip whenever you like.
I love making my own liqueurs. They taste wonderful and require minimal effort, which is always a bonus. They also make lovely gifts, and you can prepare them in many different flavours.
I have already shared a few of my favourites with you, and today I’m adding this Grapefruit Liqueur to the repertoire. It reminds me of Limoncello, though it carries a gentle bitterness, the kind you expect from grapefruit.
I was lucky enough to receive some grapefruits from friends, and they were perfect for this recipe. Try to use untreated fruit because the peel needs to soak in alcohol for quite a while.
Have fun making it, and cheers!
Reasons to Make This Homemade Liqueur
- Gives a bright citrus kick that feels so good after a heavy meal, especially when it’s ice-cold.
- Adds an easy citrus boost to cocktails without needing fresh fruit on hand.
- Makes you want to try more homemade liqueurs once you see how easy this one is.
Key Ingredients for Grapefruit Liqueur
Grapefruits
Thin peel gives a cleaner taste and avoids harsh notes, so choose firm fruit with smooth skin for easier peeling. Ruby or pink grapefruit gives a softer flavour and warmer colour, while yellow grapefruit offers a brighter, sharper citrus taste.
Alcohol 95% or Vodka
Extracts the citrus oils and sets the structure of the drink. Higher-proof alcohol creates a more intense finish, while vodka gives a softer result. Use alcohol with a neutral profile to keep the citrus at the centre.
Sugar
Adds body and brings the citrus into balance. White granulated sugar keeps the colour bright and the taste consistent during the resting period.
Find the complete list with measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Homemade Grapefruit Liqueur
Step 1: Peel the grapefruits, making sure to remove as much of the white pith as possible, as it would make the liqueur bitter.
Step 2: Place the grapefruit peels in a jar with 700 ml – 3 cups of alcohol. Close the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 10 days and up to 30 days.
Step 3: After the infusion period, put the sugar and water in a pot and heat gently until the sugar has completely dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool fully.
Step 4: Add the cooled sugar syrup to the grapefruit peel and alcohol mixture, which should be yellow by now.
Step 5: Pour in the remaining alcohol. Mix well, close the jar again, and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 7 days and up to 30 days.
Step 6: Filter and bottle the liqueur. Keep it in the fridge and serve chilled after meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vodka is the easiest swap and gives a softer result. Choose a neutral, clean vodka so the citrus stays clear in the final drink.
Yes. A split vanilla bean is a common choice and adds a warm note during the infusion. Remove any extras before the final filtering to keep the liqueur clear.
Serve it chilled in small glasses or over ice, or mix it with sparkling water or Prosecco. Pair it with almond biscuits, citrus cakes, or simple shortbread.
Taste the mixture after you add the simple syrup. Adjust by adding a little less or a little more syrup until it matches your preferred sweetness.
Extra Help from the Kitchen
Rotate the Jar – Rotate the jar gently every few days to move the alcohol across the peel and promote an even infusion.
Cool Syrup Uncovered – Leave the syrup uncovered while cooling to prevent condensation from dripping back in and diluting the mixture.
Label the Dates – Mark the start date on the jar to keep track of infusion periods and follow the minimum and maximum resting times accurately.
Strain Through Fine Cloth – Pass the liqueur through clean cotton or muslin after filtering to remove fine residue and keep the texture clear.
Variations and Twists
Add Beetroot Powder for Colour – Add a tiny pinch of food-grade beetroot powder after combining the syrup and alcohol to create a deeper pink tone.
Use Ruby Grapefruit Juice – Mix a small amount of freshly squeezed ruby grapefruit juice into the cooled syrup before adding it to the infusion for a brighter citrus note.
Blend Grapefruit and Orange Peels – Replace part of the grapefruit peel with orange peel during the infusion to soften the overall bitterness.
Use as a Cocktail Base – Mix the finished liqueur with sparkling water, tonic, or Prosecco for a simple aperitivo.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store the Homemade Grapefruit Liqueur in clean glass bottles with tight lids. Keep the bottles in the fridge for several months. Alcohol and sugar help preserve the liqueur, so the flavour stays stable over time.
No freezing is needed. Shake gently before serving if light residue forms.
Other Fruit Liqueurs You May Enjoy
Homemade Grapefruit Liqueur Recipe
Sweet, zesty, and perfect for warm nights! Make a batch of Homemade Grapefruit Liqueur and enjoy a bright sip whenever you like.
Ingredients
- 4 home-grown grapefruits OR untreated
- 1 L – 4 cups alcohol 95% OR 151 proof grain alcohol
- 1.3 L – 5 ¼ cups vodka
- 1 L – 4 cups water
- 700 g – 3 ½ cups sugar
Instructions
-
Peel the grapefruits, making sure to remove as much of the white pith as possible, as it would make the liqueur bitter.
-
Place the grapefruit peels in a jar with 700 ml – 3 cups of alcohol. Close the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 10 days and up to 30 days.
-
After the infusion period, put the sugar and water in a pot and heat gently until the sugar has completely dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool fully.
-
Add the cooled sugar syrup to the grapefruit peel and alcohol mixture, which should be yellow by now.
-
Pour in the remaining alcohol. Mix well, close the jar again, and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 7 days and up to 30 days.
-
Filter and bottle the liqueur. Keep it in the fridge and serve chilled after meals.
Leave a Reply