Handcrafted Grapefruit Bitters Recipe (and a Negroni!)
Are you craving a bright, zesty flavor to elevate your winter cocktails or mocktails? Look no further than these homemade Grapefruit Bitters! This aromatic, citrus-infused tincture isn’t just about taste—traditional bitters like these have long been revered for their digestive-supporting properties. By harnessing the bitter notes of cinchona bark, the zing of ginger, and the warming spice of cinnamon, you’ll create a cozy, immune-friendly concoction perfect for taking on its own or infusing into a cozy beverage. Whether you’re new to DIY craft cocktails or a seasoned mixologist, these handcrafted grapefruit bitters and Negroni recipes will help you embrace the bounty of citrus season.
What are bitters?
Bitters are essentially a very concentrated spirit full of aromatics such as spices, barks, seeds, fruits, or herbs. Basically, bitters make your cocktail special. A cocktail will only call for a few splashes, as they pack quite a punch.
Bitters started out as medicinal tinctures said to cure many common ailments. Then people realized that they could make the harsh and hard to swallow liquor at the time more palatable.
What are Herbal Bitters? And a DIY Herbal Bitters Recipe!
Learn more about herbal bitters and make your own digestive bitters at home!
Why make handcrafted bitters?
First of all, a variety of bitters can be hard to find. Most supermarkets only carry basic aromatic bitters. If you make your own, you can infuse them with any type of spice or herb you prefer.
Not only are most store-bought bitters kind of boring, but they contain a lot of red dye (Eww! Read more about why that’s not a good idea here. Better safe than sorry). Making bitters from scratch can ensure you use the freshest, most natural ingredients.
Note!
When infusing fruit peels into bitters, buy organic. You don’t want to infuse pesticides into your final product. Wash well.
Benefits of Each Ingredient
Grapefruit Peel
- High in Antioxidants: Grapefruit peel contains vitamin C and other antioxidants that can support overall wellness and help protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Digestive Stimulant: The natural bitters in grapefruit can help encourage the production of digestive enzymes and support gut health.
Cinnamon Stick
- Warming Spice: Often used in traditional remedies to promote warmth and circulation, helping you feel cozy during cold months.
- Potential Metabolic Support: Some studies suggest that cinnamon could help maintain healthy blood sugar levels when used as part of a balanced diet.
Ginger
- Digestive Aid: Ginger has a long history in herbal medicine for soothing occasional nausea and supporting healthy digestion.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Its active compounds, like gingerol, have been researched for possible anti-inflammatory benefits.
Cinchona Bark
- Natural Bitterness: Contains quinine, which gives it a signature bitter flavor. Bitters have traditionally been used to support digestive health and may help stimulate digestive secretions.
- Historic Tonic Ingredient: Cinchona bark has been used in tonics for centuries, making it a cornerstone in many classic bitter formulas.
Grapefruit Bitters + Negroni
This citrus and spice tincture (Yes! Bitters are technically a tincture.) will give you all of the warm and cozy winter feels.
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Grapefruit Bitters Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped grapefruit peel (dried preferred- bake peels as low as your oven can go for 45 min, then chop)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 (1 inch) piece ginger peeled and julienned
- 1/2 tsp cinchona bark
- 1 cup high proof rye whiskey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp blackstrap molasses
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s make some bitters!
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Cinchona? What’s that?
I had never heard of cinchona bark before. After a little research, I realized it is actually in a lot of bitter recipes (for more recipes, check out the book Handcrafted Bitters by Will Budiaman). It is bark from a tree that can be used as an ailment for digestive issues. Here, we are using it purely for its citrus and bitter flavor from the quinine in the bark. In store-bought versions, the quinine is usually synthetic.
Grapefruit Bitters Recipe
- Combine dried grapefruit peel, cinnamon stick, ginger, cinchona bark, and rye whiskey in glass jar. Shake.
- Place in a dark area and let sit for 2 weeks, shake daily.
- Strain with cheesecloth or mesh strainer into a fresh container. Set this container aside.
- Transfer the rest of the chunky stuff to a saucepan and cover with water.
- Boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Let cool to room temperature, put in another clean jar and shake.
- Place in a dark area and let sit for 1 week, shake daily.
- Strain the jar with the chunky stuff into new jar and add in original mixture.
- Add blackstrap molasses and shake.
- Let sit for 3 days and strain anything that floats to top.
- Transfer to a new bottle (preferably dark glass) and enjoy!
Storage & Shelf Life
Store your Grapefruit Bitters in a dark glass bottle or jar to protect the flavors and beneficial compounds from light. Keep it in a cool, dry place—away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Thanks to the high-proof alcohol acting as a natural preservative, your bitters can typically last for up to a year (and sometimes even longer). For peak flavor, however, aim to use them within 6 to 12 months. If you notice any off-odors, discoloration, or changes in flavor, it’s best to discard and start a fresh batch.
Making the Grapefruit Negroni Cocktail
Grapefruit Negroni Cocktail Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Campari
- 1 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 1/2 oz gin
- 3 dashes homemade grapefruit bitters
- 1/2 grapefruit wheel for garnish
To Make: Add Campari, vermouth, gin, and bitters in that order to rocks glass over ice. Stir, garnish, and enjoy!
What Can You Use Grapefruit Bitters for?
Below are some creative ways to make the most of your homemade Grapefruit Bitters, beyond the classic cocktail:
- Sparkling Water or Soda: Add a few drops of Grapefruit Bitters to a glass of sparkling water to impart a subtle, aromatic tang that can help awaken the palate.
- Citrus Vinaigrettes: Whisk a dash of bitters into your favorite vinaigrette recipe to brighten up salads. The extra layer of citrus spice pairs beautifully with fresh greens, roasted vegetables, or fruit-based salads.
- Digestive Aid: Enjoy a few drops in a small glass of water before meals. Traditional herbalists have long praised bitters for their potential to support healthy digestion.
- Marinade for Poultry or Fish: A dash of bitters can bring out the natural flavors of chicken or fish. Combine with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a drizzle of honey for a tangy marinade that subtly infuses your dish with zesty notes.
- Dessert and Baking Enhancer: Just like vanilla extract, bitters can lend complexity to baked goods, glazes, and frostings. Try a few drops in chocolate sauces, caramel glazes, or whipped cream for a hint of grapefruit.
- Mocktails and Infusions: Spruce up non-alcoholic drinks by adding a dash of bitters to fruit juices, kombucha, or herbal teas. It’s a simple way to elevate everyday beverages into sophisticated sips.
By experimenting with different applications, you can fully explore the dynamic flavor profile of these Grapefruit Bitters—and discover new ways to enhance both savory and sweet recipes!
Handcrafted Cocktail Gear
Okay, so you can do this in any type of cocktail or rocks glass that you want. It really doesn’t matter. My favorite set is from Libbey because it’s heavy, pretty, and dishwasher safe.
Cocktail Glasses
We saw these glasses at one of our favorite watering holes in downtown Honolulu, Smith & Kings, and we had to order some for ourselves. We ended up getting the rocks glasses and bar spoon to match.
Follow along for Orange Bitters and an Old Fashioned Recipe!
Did you make this recipe?
If you make these handcrafted bitters and cocktails, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram: brittany.l.gibson using #thehomesteadchallenge
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Grapefruit Bitters
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped grapefruit peel dried preferred
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 1 inch piece ginger peeled and julienned
- 1/2 tsp cinchona bark
- 1 cup high proof rye whiskey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp blackstrap molasses
Instructions
- Combine dried grapefruit peel, cinnamon stick, ginger, cinchona bark, and rye whiskey in glass jar. Shake.
- Place in a dark area and let sit for 2 weeks, shake daily.
- Strain with cheesecloth or mesh strainer into a fresh container. Set this container aside.
- Transfer the rest of the chunky stuff to a saucepan and cover with water.
- Boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Let cool to room temperature, put in another clean jar and shake.
- Place in a dark area and let sit for 1 week, shake daily.
- Strain the jar with the chunky stuff into new jar and add in original mixture.
- Add blackstrap molasses and shake.
- Let sit for 3 days and strain anything that floats to top.
- Transfer to a new bottle (preferably dark glass) and enjoy!
Notes
Grapefruit Negroni
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Campari
- 1 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 1/2 oz gin
- 3 dashes homemade grapefruit bitters
- 1/2 grapefruit wheel for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Fill 1/2 cocktail glass with ice
- 2. Add Campari, vermouth, gin, and bitters.
- 3. Stir with cocktail spoon, garnish, and enjoy!
These sound divine! Def need a cocktail this holiday season. I’m going to try the Grapefruit Negroni, I like gin. Cheers!
Cheers, friend!!
I LOVED this post. I’ve always been fascinated with bitters and all the cool stuff that goes into a craft cocktail. I’m also missing old fashioned’s. I can’t wait to make a couple of these at home!!
It was honestly so fun to make and it was something my husband REALLY enjoyed doing with me! Let me know if you try any out!
This is a great post! I emailed it to my brother who loves making cocktails at the holidays. Thank you!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the share <3