Who doesn’t need a little brightness in their life to break up the dreary winter days?! Well, with Winter citrus in abundance I have an easy answer that totally works for me — mixing up a Pink Grapefruit Martini is always a mood lifter!

In the Winter season, citrus is readily available and super sweet, so it’s a great time to use it any way you can. The perfect way for me is in a cocktail — and even better, a martini.

The Pink Grapefruit Martini is sweet, refreshing, and delicious. If you’re making this in the Winter when citrus is at its best, there is no need to add any sweetener like agave or simple syrup. In the Summer, when this would be equally as delish, you may want to sweeten this cocktail up a bit!

This easy peasy cocktail is made best by squeezing your own juice. My grapefruit was really ripe, so I was able to just cut it in half and squeeze the juice through a strainer to catch the pulp and seeds. One grapefruit was perfect for one hefty martini.

I have to say, it could have easily made two sensible drinks… but hey, it’s Saturday!

Ready to shake things up? Here’s how to make this Pink Grapefruit Martini your new winter favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Pink Grapefruit Martini

This cocktail is everything you want when the days feel long and gray.

It’s:

Bright and citrusy
Naturally sweet (thanks to winter grapefruit)
Smooth and balanced
Simple but elegant

The fresh juice brings a clean, vibrant flavor that bottled juice just can’t compete with. And when paired with good vodka and a splash of orange liqueur, it becomes something truly special.

Winter Citrus Makes This Martini Shine

Winter is peak citrus season, and that’s when this Pink Grapefruit Martini really shines.

Grapefruits are sweeter, juicier, and perfectly balanced this time of year. That natural sweetness means you can skip added sweeteners altogether.

No simple syrup.
No agave.
No extras needed.

If you’re making this in the Summer, just give it a quick taste before shaking. Depending on your fruit, you may want to add a touch of sweetener to balance out the tartness.

Fresh Squeezed Juice Is Key

Fresh squeezed juice makes all the difference in a Pink Grapefruit Martini.

If your grapefruit is ripe, simply:

Cut it in half
Squeeze it over a strainer
Catch the pulp and seeds

That’s it.

One medium grapefruit should give you about 3 ounces of juice — the perfect amount for one generous martini.

Yes, it could technically make two smaller drinks. But sometimes one big, beautiful martini is exactly what the moment calls for.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

One of the best things about this Pink Grapefruit Martini is how simple it is.

You only need:

Fresh squeezed pink grapefruit juice
Good quality vodka
Grand Marnier or Cointreau

That splash of orange liqueur adds subtle depth and warmth. It enhances the citrus without overpowering it, giving you a cocktail that feels balanced and refined.

Fill your shaker with ice.
Add the vodka, grapefruit juice, and liqueur.
Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.

Pour into a martini glass and enjoy.

Super yummy. Super simple.

Garnish Your Pink Grapefruit Martini Like a Pro

Don’t toss that grapefruit rind!

Use it to elevate your cocktail with a simple garnish:

Twist a strip of rind over the glass to release the oils
Drop in a curl for an elegant touch
Or add a small wedge if you’re feeling fancy

It’s an easy step that makes your Pink Grapefruit Martini look as good as it tastes.

A Little Sunshine in a Glass

We all need to do what we have to do in order to get through the dreary days of Winter. There is an end in sight — but this Pink Grapefruit Martini will definitely help along the way.

It’s bright.
It’s refreshing.
And it’s the perfect reminder that citrus season is something to celebrate.

Happy sipping while dreaming of warm days ahead!