It all started here. . .
Here in Madison, Wisconsin there used to be THE perfect (to me) restaurant. It had something for everyone: think bar food, wonderful salads and appetizers, my favorite cranberry grapefruit vodka drink, decent prices, plenty of seating, a casual, friendly crowd, and in the summer a HUGE outdoor patio. Those who live in Wisconsin LOVE places with outdoor seating, even though it's relevant only 3-4 months of the year. It makes up a tiny bit for those days of winter. ⛄️
So, I was particularly sad when this restaurant closed. Something about using the (truly awesome) location for a different purpose. What?! Don't they know? We NEEDED that restaurant!
Rather than rip out my favorite booth and take it with me, I went in a different direction: I wrote down the ingredients of my favorite cocktail, what they called a "Grapefruit Kiss." It was similar to a vodka with cranberry juice, with some adjustments. All I had to do was figure out the proportions.
Ingredients for the Cranberry Grapefruit (Vodka) Kiss
The trip to the liquor store was unique. I was looking for grapefruit flavored vodka and "St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur". The vodka was no problem, but the elderflower liqueur took some searching. I found the St Germain as well as a cheaper brand. I decided to get the cheaper brand, since I was just experimenting.
When I went to the checkout, the guy took one look and said: "Wow, I can't believe it"! I felt a little self-conscious - was 2 bottles really that much? Was this guy judging me? So I asked him what he meant, and he pointed to the elderflower liqueur and said "I've had those in stock for so long and never sold any until today - and you are the second one!" to which I said "Well, the recipe says St. Germain, but I'm hoping it won't make a difference." He said, "that's exactly what the other guy said!" LOL.
Well THAT bottle of elderflower liqueur is long gone and now I DO have the real, not the knock-off brand of St. Germain. To be honest, I don't think it makes much difference. But, I'm kinda high-maintenance, so I'll probably keep buying the real stuff. LOL
Cranberry Grapefruit Kiss is born!
And so, in my kitchen, this beverage was created. Since I cannot be certain I have the exact same proportions, I am calling mine the Cranberry-Grapefruit Kiss. Anyone who likes cranberry juice will love this drink.
Since cranberry juice is so good for us, any beverage containing cranberry juice should be considered health food, don't you agree?
📖 Recipe
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Cranberry-Grapefruit Kiss
Ingredients
- 1 shot (1.5 oz)grapefruit flavored vodka
- ½ shot (0.75 oz)elderflower liqueur
- 6 oz cranberry juice
- 1 wedge of lime
- sugar for rim optional
Instructions
- Use the lime wedge to rim the edge of the glass. Dip the moist edge in sugar to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, mix the vodka, liqueur, and cranberry juice with ice. Strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with the lime wedge.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Like this Cranberry Grapefruit drink? Try making some Vodka slush for summertime fun!
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Sharon
I love the combination of elderflower liqueur and grapefruit vodka in this cocktail. So sweet and satisfying.
Sula
I'm so glad you enjoyed it Sharon!
Laura
I have St. Germaine's that I've had for a long time because I couldn't find a drink to use it in. This is the perfect solution! Great cocktail!
Sula
Yes once you have it, you need to use that delicious liqueur!
Sisley White
I love a cranberry cocktail and this delicious! So easy to make and tastes great.
Sula
Yes nothing beats a cranberry cocktail for me!
Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter
That restaurant sounded wonderful indeed! You've made this cocktail real justice! Love all the flavour combination here 🙂
Sula
It was a goal worth achieving LOL.
Jen
I love the tartness from the cranberry! Such a delicious drink at the end of a long day.
Sula
Yes I love the sweet and tart combination that cranberry provides!
Big Trouble
Sooo, this drink is REALLY delicious, which is great except for it goes down a little TOO smoothly. 🙂 Needless to say, it's been keeping me company this summer and helping with quarantining blues. Thanks for that, Sula! lol
Sula
Well, you're welcome I guess LOL
Purcellj
So what resturant closed that you loved??
Sula
Sprechers 🙂
Big Trouble
Mmm, this will be perfect on a deck some warm summer evening! Can't wait to try this recipe!
Sula
Yes: deck, patio, living room, kitchen. I can attest to all of these locations 😃