With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it’s easy to get hyper-focused on what sides to make, how to do the turkey this year, and what desserts will steal the show. But what about the drinks? Sure there might be a few bottles of wine opened, but how about a fresh colorful alternative for the beverage table? How about a non-alcoholic holiday drink? Think Grapefruit Rosemary Tonic.
Why Grapefruit Rosemary Tonic?
This is a celebration in a glass that’s not only refreshing but colorful too! Tonic water (or club soda if you’d rather) is festive all by itself with a decazillion of minuscule bubbles wiggling their way up to pop and tickle your nose.
Looking for something a little sweeter? Replace the tonic water with ginger ale or give it a kick with a splash of ginger beer.
Rosemary’s deep herbal scent dances beautifully with the bright acidity of the grapefruit. Plus, now that grapefruit is in season, we have our pick of sweet ruby reds!
This Non Alcoholic Holiday Drink Pulls Triple Duty
A Grapefruit Rosemary Tonic serves 3 purposes at your holiday party. 1) It’s a gorgeous alternative to alcoholic beverages, 2) it gives kids something to sip on that’s special and festive and 3) well… it makes a killer Gin & Tonic for those who want to add a dash gin.
Tips on How to make a Grapefruit Rosemary Tonic
I know it seems silly to outline this out, but there are just a couple tips to really bring out the aromatics of this beverage.
- Before putting the rosemary in the pitcher, crush it in your hands. This releases the oils and makes it smell divine!
- Wait until everyone arrives before pouring the tonic (or club soda) in the pitcher. Your bubbles will last longer.
- Squeeze a few grapefruit wedges into the pitcher for extra flavor, then drop a few in for color.
- Keep a bowl of fresh cut grapefruit next to the pitcher so people can add more to their glass if they’d like.
Fun Alternative: For a real show stopper… first light the rosemary on fire, blow out the flame, while the rosemary is still smoking, rub it around the glass, then continue with the rest of the mocktail. This brings a deeper flavor profile to the beverage and makes for a lovely presentation.
Colorful variation: To get a festive shade, use a dollop of grenadine, pomegranate juice or cranberry juice.
More Inspiration…
Here’s a link for 14 additional ideas for beautiful non alcoholic holiday drinks that will keep you in a festive spirit! Keep these on hand because they’d be lovely to have on hand all year round.
Cheers! And Happy Thanksgiving!
Grapefruit Rosemary Tonic
Bright colorful and full of citrus notes with a touch of pine, this is a sophiticated drink.
Ingredients
- 4 cups tonic water
- 1 grapefruit
- 1 sprig rosemary large
- 4 sprigs rosemary small, garnish
Instructions
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Crush rosemary in your hands to release oils and place in a pitcher.
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Fill pitcher with ice and tonic.
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Cut grapefruit in 1/2. Squeeze the juice of half of the grapefruit into the pitcher. Cut the other half into wedges and stir into the tonic.
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Pour into ice filled glasses and enjoy. Garnish with extra small rosemary sprigs.
Surya
This sounds really refreshing
Charlene
This looks so good would be great on days like today it’s in the 80’s
Madalaine
It’s so refreshing! And you are so right! It’s great in hot weather and cold. 🥰
Valencia McCraw
This is perfect for me because I don’t drink often. So I love this recipe.
Madalaine
It’s nice to have a special drink without alcohol, don’t you think? This is my go-to drink to sip on when I’m super busy and can’t be slowed down. ❤️
Aurora
This sounds great specially if I can use Ginger Beer !
Thanks 😊
Tamara
I seem to be having an issue in finding the recipe……?
Madalaine
Thanks Tamara, yeah… uh… good catch. Lol I really didn’t spell this one out did I? Thank you for catching that! I added the recipe (simple as it is) to this post. I hope you enjoy it!