I love events with signature cocktails. Not only do they help make parties budget friendly (who needs a fully stocked bar anyway?), but also make events very personalized. Flavor infusing vodka and gin at home has become one of my  favorite DIY’s.

Around Thanksgiving we infused homemade holiday vodka: cranberry and lemon. Now that we’re officially into the winter season, I’m head over heels for the latest flavored drink: Rosemary Grapefruit Gin. Enjoy the abundance of winter citrus and aromatic woody herbs and give your guests a drink that's more about aroma than a sugar coma. In other words, be a HEALTHY HOSTESS and stay tuned for regular healthy hostess tips.

At our wedding, the bride’s drink was vodka tonic. While I favor light drinks with vodka and gin mixed with juice or seltzer, this rosemary and grapefruit infused liquor is a crowd pleaser all around. With an intense herbal aroma, this is a drink to sip on, not slam.

Grapefruit Rosemary Gin

  • 1.5 C Gin (or vodka)
  • 1/3 of a thinly sliced grapefruit
  • 2-3 full rosemary sprigs

Add components to a mason jar, screw lid tightly and shake. Store in a cool area out of the sun for two days. While most other liquor combinations will take longer to infuse, this rosemary gives the gin a QUICK kick.

To serve: Mix 1.5 oz strained gin with 4 oz grapefruit juice. Serve over ice.

 Cheers to an egg nog alternative that won’t break your calorie  budget and an herbal drink that is more party friendly than chamomile. 

-Carlene Future RD

Dietitian Nutritionist and cookbook author sharing flavor-forward recipes and simplified science-driven wellness.