Spirit Free Recipe

Juice and Combine

Roll the grapefruit and orange on the counter to release juices. Halve and juice enough citrus to measure 3 oz grapefruit, 1 oz orange and 0.5 oz lemon. Add the fresh juices to a cocktail shaker or mixing glass.

Sweeten and Bitters

Add 0.5 oz simple syrup and 2 dashes of grapefruit bitters (or grapefruit tincture) to the citrus juices. Stir briefly to combine.

Muddle Mint

Place 6 fresh mint leaves in the shaker. Gently clap one leaf between your palms and add it as well for aroma. Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, lightly muddle the mint with the citrus mixture — press just enough to release oils, avoid shredding.

Add Botanical Notes

Pour in 1 oz non-alcoholic aperitif and 0.25 oz lavender syrup. Cap the shaker and gently shake for 6–8 seconds to chill and marry flavors without bruising the mint too much.

Strain Over Ice

Fill a highball or Collins glass with 1 cup of ice. Double-strain the shaken mixture into the glass to remove mint fragments and pulp, preserving a smooth texture.

Top and Garnish

Top with 2 oz sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently once with a bar spoon to integrate. Express the oils of a grapefruit twist over the drink and rim the glass with it, then drop the twist in. Slap the mint sprig between your hands to wake the aroma and place it as a garnish.

Serve

Serve immediately while cold and effervescent. Encourage sipping slowly to enjoy the herbal-citrus layers.