How to Make a Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail in 5 Steps
How to Make a Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail in 5 Steps
A Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail is bright, refreshing, and citrusy with just the right balance of tart and sweet. Without a simple recipe, it is easy to end up with something too sour, too sweet, or missing that crisp kick that makes grapefruit cocktails so good.
You are in the right place. This five step guide shows you exactly how to shake, pour, and serve a Ruby Red that tastes clean, bold, and party ready. It pairs perfectly with our Salt & Lime Party Cups, which give each sip an instant flavor boost.
By the time you reach Step 5, you will know how to mix this drink like a natural host and look like you planned the whole thing.
Let’s make something citrusy and fun.
Step 1: Prep Your Citrus
Before you shake anything, start with your lime and grapefruit. Fresh citrus is what makes this drink shine.
Here is what to do:
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Rinse your lime and grapefruit.
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Cut the lime into wedges.
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Slice a few thin grapefruit rounds for garnish.
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Set aside the prettiest slices for the top of the drink.
For example:
If your grapefruit looks dull or feels heavy, that is a good sign it is juicy inside. Dry, lightweight grapefruits produce weak juice and a weak drink.
What to look out for:
Do not use bottled lime juice if you can help it. Fresh lime brightens the entire cocktail and balances the grapefruit perfectly.
Ready? Let’s keep going.
Step 2: Measure Your Ingredients
You may be thinking this part feels too simple or like you can eyeball it. But measuring makes all the difference in a citrus-focused cocktail.
Here is what you need:
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2 oz Ruby Red Deep Eddy Vodka
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1 oz fresh lime juice
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1 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
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2 oz grapefruit juice
A simple tip that helps:
Use a jigger or shot glass. It keeps the drink balanced and prevents it from turning too acidic or too sweet.
What to look out for:
A common mistake is adding too much grapefruit juice. More is not better. Stick to the 2 oz for the cleanest flavor.
Step 3: Shake Everything Together
You are getting close now.
Here is what to do:
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Add the vodka, lime juice, orange liqueur, and grapefruit juice to your cocktail shaker.
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Fill the shaker with ice.
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Shake for about 15 seconds until the shaker feels cold.
While you shake, notice how the citrus aromas come together. This step chills the drink and blends everything smoothly.
Make any small adjustments you want after tasting a drop on your hand.
What to look out for:
Do not under shake. A light shake leaves the drink warm and flat. Shake until the shaker is frosty.
Step 4: Pour Into Your Salt & Lime Cup
This is the moment the drink becomes a party trick.
Here is what to do:
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Fill your Salt & Lime Party Cup with fresh ice.
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Strain the shaken cocktail into the cup.
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Let the flavored rim do its job.
The citrus and grapefruit inside the drink pair beautifully with the salt and lime on the rim. It is the easiest way to make a simple cocktail taste like something you planned ahead.
What to look out for:
Do not pour without ice in the cup. Ice keeps the drink crisp and refreshes the citrus notes with every sip.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Time to finish strong.
Here is what to do:
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Add a lime wedge to the rim.
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Add a slice of grapefruit to the top for color.
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Sip and enjoy the mix of tart grapefruit, sweet orange liqueur, and the bold ruby red vodka.
Tips for the best results:
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Use very cold juice for maximum freshness.
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Add an extra lime wedge on the side if someone wants more tartness.
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If prepping for a crowd, shake each drink in small batches for the best flavor.
What to look out for:
The first time I made this, I added way too much ice to the shaker and ended up with a very chilled, very diluted drink. Surprisingly, everyone still loved it. The lesson: shake confidently but do not overshake.
Bonus Tip
Freeze thin grapefruit slices and use them as ice. They chill your drink and make the cup look photo ready without watering anything down.
Key Takeaways
You just learned how to make a crisp, citrusy Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail in five easy steps. Follow this guide to serve a drink that tastes bright and refreshing, instead of winging it and hoping the flavors balance themselves.
Pair it with our Salt & Lime Party Cups for the easiest upgrade to any pour.
Pour. Sip. Celebrate.
Quick Recipe Card: Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka Cocktail
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
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2 oz Ruby Red Deep Eddy Vodka
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1 oz fresh lime juice
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1 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
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2 oz grapefruit juice
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Lime wedge for garnish
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Grapefruit slice for garnish
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Ice
Instructions:
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Prep lime wedges and grapefruit slices.
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Add vodka, lime juice, orange liqueur, and grapefruit juice to a shaker.
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Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 15 seconds.
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Fill Salt & Lime Cup with ice.
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Strain cocktail into the cup.
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Garnish with lime and grapefruit.
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Serve immediately and enjoy.