2 Ingredient Grapefruit Simple Syrup
This grapefruit simple syrup recipe couldn’t be easier to make. All you need are just 2 ingredients and you’ll have a delicious grapefruit syrup that takes on the tart-sweet flavor of the juice. Add to non-alcoholic drinks, cocktails, and more!
Looking for more simple syrup recipes? Try my lavender simple syrup, basil simple syrup, or guide to making infused simple syrups.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this grapefruit syrup recipe:
- Grapefruit – I used pink grapefruit but you can use any variety. Because we’re using the peel as well as fresh grapefruit juice, I like to use organic grapefruit.
- Organic cane sugar – this is my favorite type of sweetener to use. It’s not as processed as white granulated sugar, isn’t sickly sweet, and dissolves well. I wouldn’t recommend using raw sugar as the granules are too coarse and don’t dissolve as easily.
How to Make Grapefruit Simple Syrup: Step By Step
Here are some quick visual instructions. The full instructions and ingredient list will be in the printable recipe card below!
1. Wash, dry, and peel the grapefruit. Avoid as much white pith as possible.
2. Juice the grapefruit after you’ve removed the peel.
3. Make the syrup. Combine water, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves then add in the grapefruit peels.
4. Simmer & Strain. Cook the infused simple syrup over low heat for 10 minutes then pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer.
Helpful Tips
- Let the syrup cool to room temperature before storing it.
- Avoid cooking the syrup over high heat as you can burn the syrup, which will ruin the flavor.
- This syrup isn’t as sweet as simple syrups with a 1:1 sugar-to-water ratio, so you may need to use a bit more in drinks depending on personal preference.
Quick Tip:Â Remove most of the white pith on the grapefruit peel. Some pith is fine, but too much will give the syrup a bitter bite. While you can use a sharp knife, the easiest way is with a vegetable peeler (this method yields minimal pith).
Storage
Fridge: Store your simple syrup in an airtight container or storage bottles in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
Freezer: To make it last longer, pour your syrup into a silicone ice cube tray. Once frozen, pop them into a freezer-safe bag where they’ll last for up to 6 months.
How To Use
Grapefruit simple syrup is most commonly used in a delicious cocktail recipe such as a grapefruit margarita, gin grapefruit cocktail with rosemary, grapefruit Paloma, or Paloma mocktail served with a grapefruit slice. You can also use it with club soda or sparkling water to make homemade grapefruit soda.
Make It Your Way: Substitutions & Variations
Please remember that recipes are just a starting point.
How can you make this grapefruit simple syrup using what you already have? Here are some ideas…
- Grapefruit rosemary or sage simple syrup – add fresh rosemary sprigs or sage leaves once the sugar dissolves. It’ll add a savory note to the syrup. Strain the syrup before storing it.
- Grapefruit basil simple syrup – add basil leaves and citrus peels once the sugar dissolves. It’ll add a delicious savory basil flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you like a sweeter simple syrup, add an extra 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. This will give you equal parts liquid and sugar.
You can use any citrus such as orange, blood orange, lemon, lime, or mandarin.
More Simple Syrup Recipes
I hope you love this Grapefruit Simple Syrup! If you make it, be sure to leave a comment & a star rating so I know how you liked it!
2 Ingredient Grapefruit Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- organic grapefruit peel from 1 grapefruit, white pith removed
- ½ cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- ½ cup organic cane sugar
Instructions
- Scrub and dry the grapefruit, then use a vegetable peeler to remove thin strips of peel. Set aside.
- Cut the grapefruit in half and squeeze out the juice.Â
- Combine water, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add in the grapefruit peels and reduce heat to low.
- Cook the grapefruit syrup for ten minutes while stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and run the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove the peels. Let cool completely before putting the lid on and storing.