Have you been wondering where I went? I know, Brandwell has taken up so much of my time this month. But, you guys, the workshop was SOOOOO GOOD! We will talk about it more I’m sure. Now, let’s return to our regularly scheduled program and have a mocktail or two.

Grapefruit, oh it could possibly be the best of the citrus. Crisp, tart and always refreshing – grapefruit is the perfect base for a pretty mocktail or cocktail. This Spiced Grapefruit Spritzer is just the right balance of sweet, spicy and tart. Spiced with a bold simple syrup of cardamom, ginger and cloves, this spritzer feels right at home with the Winter weather we are still having.  

Well gosh, pink grapefruit juice does make a very pretty drink. We have a neighbor with a grapefruit tree. I had to add that little detail. It’s a thing Californians like to do, especially in the winter months, to make everyone else around the country jealous.

Spice Grapefruit Spritzer

• Fresh Pink Grapefruit Juice
• Spiced Simple Syrup (see recipe below)
• Sparkling Water or Seltzer
• Ice
• Grapefruit slices, cloves and cardamom pods for garnish

In a glass filled with ice, add 1-2 oz. of Spiced Simple Syrup. Fill the glass half way with freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice. Stir and then top off the glass with sparkling water. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and float a clove and a cardamom pod on top of the drink.

Spiced Simple Syrup

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp. freshly ground cardamom
• 1 tsp. whole cloves
• 2 inch piece of fresh ginger thinly sliced

Place all the ingredients in a pot. Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute. Allow the syrup to cool completely. Strain through a fine mesh sieve.  Place the syrup in an airtight container and store in the fridge.

Cheers friends! Here’s to a brand new month. Also, what the heck happened to January? That definitely flew by.