Grapefruit Infused Water
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Featuring fresh citrus and rosemary, this grapefruit infused water makes a refreshing beverage option for a hot summer afternoon. The tart, sour notes of fresh grapefruit contrast perfectly with herbal rosemary in a flavor pairing that elevates plain water into a refreshing beverage free from sweeteners, chemicals, and artificial flavors.
Although it doesn’t garner nearly as much attention as orange or lemon, I really enjoy incorporating grapefruit into the recipes I develop. In the past I’ve made chocolate-dipped candied grapefruit peels; grapefruit white hot chocolate; a grapefruit-forward citrus salad; and even a fragrant citrus simmer pot. I like that grapefruit pairs easily with a wide range of flavors, such as ginger, honey, cinnamon, blueberry, coconut and pineapple. (And don’t underestimate the humble green herb! The pairing of mint or basil—or rosemary, as I’ve done here—with sliced fresh grapefruit is an absolute treat. I also love that grapefruit and rosemary works as a pairing year-round. I serve this grapefruit water as a warm-weather beverage, but will also keep it in my fridge for refreshing pick-me-up during the winter months.
Key Ingredients
- Grapefruit – One whole pink or red grapefruit is plenty. You’ll also need part of a second grapefruit if you want to use it as a garnish. (Save the other half for breakfast, or turn it into a grapefruit salad.) I recommend slicing the grapefruit thinly, with a sharp chef’s knife, or it can be tricky to squeeze the larger slices into a narrow-mouthed jar.
- Rosemary – If you have an herb garden (or a window herb garden, like me!) now is the time to put it to good use. You’ll need about 3-6 sprigs of fresh rosemary, plus a few more to garnish each glass. You can add more rosemary for a stronger, more herb-forward flavor, or omit it for plain grapefruit water. Do not use dried rosemary in this recipe!
- Water – You can use tap, still, or sparkling water. If using sparkling, remember that it will only maintain its fizz for a day or so, so it’s best to stick with plain water if you want to enjoy the infused water over a longer period of time.
Tips and Variations
- Allow time for the flavor to infuse. After combining the ingredients, refrigerate and allow the flavors to infuse for at least 30 minutes. I like to infuse mine for 1-2 hours for a stronger flavor.
- Add fun garnishes. Serve over ice, along with additional sprigs of rosemary or slices of fresh grapefruit. You can also dip the rim of your glass in Demerara sugar for a sweet-tart contrast, or balance a sprig of sugared rosemary on top.
- Play with the flavor. For a sweeter beverage with a more rosemary-forward flavor, stir a few tablespoons of homemade rosemary simple syrup into your pitcher or glass.
- Make big batches. This grapefruit water recipe is easily doubled or tripled. In fact, I’ll often make a big pitcher (you can use a beverage dispenser with a spigot for quick access) and keep it in the fridge to enjoy for days at a time. Remember that if multiplying the recipe, you’ll need to adjust the size of your jar or pitcher accordingly.
Grapefruit Infused Water
- Total Time35 minutes
- Yield2 liters 1x
Featuring fresh citrus, rosemary, and still or sparkling water, this grapefruit infused water offers a refreshing beverage option on a hot afternoon.
Ingredients
1 red grapefruit, washed and thinly sliced, plus more to garnish
3 6-inch sprigs fresh rosemary, plus more to garnish
2 liters still or sparkling water
Instructions
Place the grapefruit and rosemary in a 2 liter glass pitcher, plastic jug, or glass jar.
Add the water.
Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes, or until ready to serve.
Pour into glasses. Garnish with additional grapefruit slices and sprigs of fresh rosemary.
Store grapefruit infused water in a pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
Recipe can be doubled.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Refrigerator
Make-Ahead and Storage Suggestions
Store grapefruit infused water in a pitcher in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the citrus flavor becomes overly strong (which may happen as you reach the bottom of the pitcher), top up with additional water as needed.
Other Summer Beverage Recipes You Might Enjoy
Blueberry Lemonade
Creamsicle Orange Coffee
Lavender Iced Coffee
Strawberry Rhubarb Lemonade
Blueberry Iced Tea
And if you do make these, or any of my recipes, don’t forget to tag me @bastecutfold or use the hashtag #bastecutfold on Instagram. I always love to see what you’re making!
