While you might assume that doing all these cocktail posts while pregnant is a torturous affair…it’s actually been really fun to fantasize about all the little libations I’ll get to drink post-baby, and live vicariously through the willing taste-testers on my team. Today’s grapefruit-mint bellini is so up my alley, as it combines 3 of my favorite flavors in the world: grapefruit, mint and bubbly. And it definitely falls into my guidelines for easygoing summer party drinks, since I can mix it up in under a minute and serve to a crowd (no muddling, shaking or complicated mixing required!) By the way, the feminine hue of this drink makes it perfect for incorporating one of my favorite party tricks: edible flowers! Keep reading for tips on how to use them, as well as the recipe for these grapefruit-mint bellinis.
Did you know that, as long as they’re not sprayed with pesticides, flowers like primroses, pansies, snapdragons and johnny jump ups are all perfectly edible? If you’re not growing them in your garden, many grocery stores actually stock packages of these flowers near the fresh herbs, and I love using them to add beautiful color and interest to summer salads, or to top cupcakes and scoops of sorbet. (find a comprehensive list of which flowers are okay to eat here.)
Trust me on this one: bottled grapefruit juice doesn’t compare to the flavor of freshly-squeezed when it takes a starring role in a recipe like this. And no need for an expensive juicer; a manual version like this one makes quick work of squeezing out every last drop of citrus flavor (and it happens to be on a super sale right now.)
Bottoms Up! (Helianthus Goblets from Anthropologie.)
Grapefruit-Mint Bellini
*serves 6
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 bunch fresh mint
- 2 – 3 cups freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 bottle sparkling wine (champagne, prosecco, cava…whatever you like!)
- edible flowers, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, bring sugar, water and mint to a boil. Simmer until the sugar is dissolved, 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely, then discard mint sprigs.
- Divide simple syrup and grapefruit juice between 6 glasses and stir. Top with champagne and garnish with edible flowers.
A must make for the weekend!
Mouthwatering!
mmm these sound so yummy! i love grapefruit juice, so i’ll definitely need to give these a try! thanks for sharing. x0-jenn
What a pretty drink! I just so happen to have all of these ingredients at home right now.
Not only is the color of that drink beautiful, but those glasses are so adorable. i’m such a sucker for unique vintage glasses!
xoxo,
mon amy
Thanks Amy – and the best part is, these are actually “faux vintage”…you can pick up a set at Anthropologie! http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-tabletop-glassware/870063.jsp
Happy to taste-test any time!!
Oh this looks so good that my mouth started to water! I don’t know how this isn’t torturing you! xx
I would definitely feel guilty drinking this – it’s MUCH too pretty (which makes it taste that much better, I’m sure)
Yum! Where are those lovely glasses from?
I am so loving the glassware! Do tell where to get them at…
wow! This looks right up my alley! I am really excited to give it a try this weekend.
These look delicious! I actually make a strawberry mint bellini for our monthly family brunch! Will make this rendition for the next one 🙂
Yum – that is one of my OTHER fave flavor combos!!
Its almost 9PM and and I want to run to the grocery store and buy some grapefruits to make this tonight!! Looks so good…
This one certainly looks like a keeper. Love those flavors too and the color of course!
Yum! What a fun flavor combo!
This looks amazing and perfect for my “summer in Marrakesh” party this August
Oooh, love that theme – and these would be absolutely perfect! Moroccan cuisine loves its mint, after all…
Yum!
Oh wow, sounds delish!
This looks so yummy, Camille!
Brand new fan here- Saw this recipe the same day I started reading your site, and tried it out last night with group of my girlfriends. We all LOVED it. I have a new summer cocktail, along with a new favorite source of inspiration. x
Gorgeous photo’s and a yummy recipe.
Your photography is superb and this recipe is making me salivate. I want one right this minute! Also, another great use for the mint taking over one of my herb beds. Thanks!
Great recipe and looks so good. Thank You
Tantalizingly Delicious. Imma try the grapefruit juice recipe this evening.
Thanks for the delicious recipes. But it will be better if you make a video for this. I hope in the future you will make a video tutorial as well.