Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsJ. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood OmahaGray Whale Pacific Citrus Cooler Recipe

Gray Whale Pacific Citrus Cooler Recipe

Time25m
Serves4

Make Gray Whale Pacific Citrus Cooler Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Citrus-Spiced Cocktail Base

Optional: Grapefruit Sea Foam (for show)

Method

Citrus-Spiced Cocktail Base

  1. 1

    Juice and combine

    Strain fresh grapefruit, orange, and lemon juices to remove pulp and seeds. In a large mixing pitcher or cocktail shaker, combine 8 fl oz vodka, 6 fl oz fresh grapefruit juice, 4 fl oz fresh orange juice, 1 fl oz fresh lemon juice, 1 fl oz honey syrup, and 1 fl oz dry curaçao.

  2. 2

    Add bitters and aromatics

    Add 6 dashes of Angostura bitters to the mixture. Lightly bruise 6 mint leaves between your palms to release aroma and add them to the pitcher. Stir vigorously for 20–30 seconds to chill and briefly macerate the mint (do not over-stir to avoid cloudiness).

Pacific Aromatics & Garnish

  1. 3

    Prep glassware

    Rub the rim of each serving glass with a grapefruit wedge (reserve the wedge for garnish) and dip the rim lightly into the smoked sea salt placed on a small plate to create a thin, even ring. Place large ice cubes or crushed ice into each glass (about 1 cup per serving).

  2. 4

    Build the cooler

    Fill each prepared glass about two-thirds full of ice. Pour the cocktail base into a measuring pitcher and divide evenly among 4 glasses (approximately 4 fl oz base per glass). Top each glass with 3 fl oz chilled sparkling water to add brightness and effervescence. Gently stir once in each glass to combine.

  3. 5

    Garnish and finish

    Garnish each glass with a thin grapefruit wheel hooked to the rim and two fresh mint leaves. If desired, sprinkle a hairline pinch (about 1/8 tsp) of smoked sea salt on top of the drink to echo the rim.

Optional: Grapefruit Sea Foam

  1. 6

    Make the foam

    If you want a silky foam top, combine the egg white, 1 tsp superfine sugar, and 0.25 tsp grapefruit zest in a shaker. Dry-shake (no ice) vigorously for 20–30 seconds to emulsify. Add 1–2 ice cubes, shake again for 15 seconds to chill, then double-strain the foam on top of each finished drink.

  2. 7

    Safety note

    If serving to groups where raw egg is a concern, use pasteurized egg white or omit this step. The foam is optional and purely aesthetic, the drink is complete without it.

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