Rachel‘s new book, Party Girl, is filled with the most lively bunch of characters. Each person is so distinct and personable and I want all of Landon’s friends to be my friends. Asides from Landon, one girl I grew to love was her quirky roommate, Max. Get a copy of the book and learn all about these lovely group of women.
Anyway, of course I associated with Max the most- she’s studying for her masters at UCLA (my alma mater) and she whips up the most inventive and delicious cocktails (something I aspire to do).
In honor of the release of Party Girl, I’ve concocted this sweet pink hued drink. Let’s cheers to this muddled honey grapefruit cocktail!
Grapefruit may be available in the United States year-round, but it’s peak season is right now! Grapefruits are primarily grown in Florida, Texas, and California. On average, the best grapefruits are available from November to May. Since grapefruits tend to be a bit more expensive during the summer months- take advantage of grapefruits now, while they’re in bountiful and in season!
I love the combination of honey and grapefruit. I didn’t want the honey to be overpowering so I mellowed it out by incorporating it into a simple sugar syrup. It’s super easy to make and you can use it to sweeten anything from tart Greek yogurt to your morning cup of coffee.
In a glass, add a grapefruit slice, a sugar cube, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey simple syrup. Muddle everything together until the sugar dissolves.
Add 2 ounces (2 shots) of your bourbon of choice. Follow with 3 oz of grapefruit juice. (I used unsweetened, fresh grapefruit juice.)
Top the glass with ice cubes and gently stir all the contents together. If desired, garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
“Cheers to Sandra!” (Go read Party Girl, it’ll make more sense, I promise!)
- 1 grapefruit slice
- 1 sugar cube (1 tsp granulated sugar)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp honey simple syrup (recipe follows)
- 2 oz bourbon of choice
- 3 oz grapefruit juice
- ice
- Rosemary sprig or lemon thyme, to garnish
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- In a glass, add grapefruit slice, sugar cube and honey simple syrup. Muddle together until sugar has dissolved.
- Add bourbon. Follow with grapefruit juice.
- Top glass with ice. Stir to distribute ingredients and cool liquids.
- Garnish with rosemary sprig or lemon thyme, if desired.
- Drink!
- In a small sauce pot, combine water and sugar. Cook over medium heat until sugar has dissolved. Add honey. Gently stir to combine. Once honey is incorporated, remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature before using.
- *Honey Simple Syrup keeps for 2 weeks.
