Hare In The Woods: A Grapefruit & Gin Cocktail Recipe
A bright citrus cocktail with Cedar & Sage Bitters
As the season begins to shift and the sunlight lingers just a little longer, my cravings turn toward bright, refreshing citrus cocktails. Grapefruit in particular has a way of waking up the senses. Tart, vibrant, and slightly bittersweet, it feels like the perfect bridge between winter and spring.
This grapefruit gin cocktail brings those bright citrus notes together with botanical gin, Cocchi Americano, and a few dashes of Cedar & Sage bitters. Cocchi adds a lightly bitter citrus layer that brings the grapefruit and gin together, and the bitters add a quiet earthy depth that rounds out the tangy grapefruit juice without overpowering it.
Finished with grapefruit seltzer and a simple garnish, the result is a citrus cocktail that feels both refreshing and layered. It is just as lovely for slow afternoons in the sun as it is for sharing with friends around the table.
Whether you are already comfortable mixing cocktails at home or simply curious about using bitters in drinks, this grapefruit cocktail recipe is easy to make and rewarding to sip.
A GRAPEFRUIT GIN COCKTAIL FOR EARLY SPRING
Grapefruit cocktails have a way of feeling instantly refreshing. The balance of tart citrus and gentle bitterness keeps the drink lively without becoming too sweet.
In this recipe, grapefruit juice brings brightness, Cocchi adds a lightly bitter citrus note, and gin adds botanical complexity. The final splash of grapefruit seltzer lifts the drink and gives it a sparkling finish that makes it especially welcome on brighter days.
It’s the kind of cocktail that invites you to slow down for a moment. Sit outside. Notice the light. Take another sip.
HOW TO MAKE THE HARE IN THE WOODS COCKTAIL
1 oz gin
1 oz Cocchi Americano
1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
2 droppers Cedar & Sage Bitters
grapefruit seltzer
grapefruit wedge, to garnish
sage leaves, to garnish
ice
Add gin, Cocchi, and grapefruit juice to a mixing glass.
Add ice and stir until well chilled.
Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and add two droppers Cedar & Sage Bitters.
Top with grapefruit seltzer and garnish with a grapefruit wedge
& sage leaves.
HOW CEDAR & SAGE BITTERS BRING BALANCE
Grapefruit and gin already make a natural pairing. The citrus is bright and tart, while gin brings layers of botanical flavor. But without a little balance, the drink can be too sharp.
This is where bitters come in.A few drops of Cedar & Sage Bitters act almost like seasoning in the glass. They soften the tart edge of grapefruit and help the herbal notes in the gin stand out more clearly. Plus, cedar and sage add a subtle woodland character that turns a simple citrus cocktail into something more dynamic and intriguing.
STAY CURIOUS & MAKE THIS COCKTAIL YOUR OWN
One of the pleasures of mixing a drink for yourself is the invitation to experiment based on your own preference. Try adding a rosemary sprig for more herbal notes, swap gin for tequila, or add a touch of honey syrup if you prefer a softer citrus edge. Cedar & Sage Bitters also play beautifully in a margarita, whiskey and soda, or simply sparkling water.
Stay curious and see where a few small changes lead.
