Grapefruit Rose Spritzer Mocktail

When I moved into my home there were quite a few things (vast understatement) that needed fixing in my yard- I dug literal bags of trash out of the back yard, unearthed pieces of pickaxes and bottles, and had to use a magnet to remove all the metal fragments and screws. However, one thing that the past owners left behind was a magnificent, very wild rose bush that I adore! Every year I harvest and dry the petals- they’re beautiful but also so tasty! So, every spring right before the roses are getting ready to bloom, I love to use up all of the rose petals I dried from the year before. This Grapefruit Rose Spritzer is one of my favorites- its floral and fresh but the floral notes are balanced by the tartness of grapefruit!

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However, if you are using your own hand-dried rose petals, make sure that they are organic and free of pesticides! Petals you’ve dried from bouquets from the store do not work for this- they tend to be covered in lots of things you don’t want to be drinking! If you don’t (naturally) grow your own, opt for culinary rose petals!

Grapefruit Rose Spritzer Ingredients

Grapefruit Rose Spritzer: Thyme Simple Syrup Method

In a small saucepan on medium-high heat combine the water, sugar, rose petals, and thyme.

Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to medium-low and let simmer for at least 15 minutes. If you want a stronger floral taste, simmer for 15 minutes then remove from heat and let steep until cool.

Strain out the solids and let cool completely. Transfer to an airtight bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Grapefruit Rose Ice Cubes

If you want an extra stunning presentation, making grapefruit ‘roses’ in square ice cubes is perfect! I like to serve spritzers in coupe glasses (long stems with a wide bowl) so a one-and-a-half-inch square cube is perfect.

Thinly slice the outer edges (shorter part of the dome) of a grapefruit and nestle two slices, rind side up, concentrically so they form a little rose. The cubes look best if you allow the rinds to stick out over the top of the ice cube mold. Then gently fill the rest of the reservoirs with water and freeze overnight. I prefer silicone molds because it is easy to pop the roses out without them getting damaged.

Grapefruit Rose Spritzer Mocktails Method

Coupe glasses usually hold about six ounces of liquid, so this recipe is formulated to work for that plus an ice cube! If you’re using a different glass, feel free to edit the amount of sparkling water! Also, fresh grapefruit juice is best!

For each mocktail combine one-half to one full ounce of simple syrup (based on how sweet and floral you’d like your drink to be) with two ounces of grapefruit juice. Mix that well and then add to a coupe glass.

Add in the large grapefruit rose ice cube then top with sparkling water.

If you want something *extra* special, crumble a dried rose petal and add a pinch of fresh thyme leaves to the Grapefruit Rose Spritzer to play off the colors!

Drink chilled.

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