20 Grapefruit Recipes That Feature Our Favorite Bittersweet Citrus (2024)

Though the margarita has become a staple of American bars, the margarita's pink-hued cousin, the Paloma, is heralded by many in Mexico as the better cocktail. It's beloved not just for its bittersweet, citrusy grapefruit flavor, but also for its simplicity. Not counting ice, all you need is 4 ingredients: tequila, lime juice, salt, and grapefruit soda.

Get the Classic Paloma recipe.

This stunning cake is so moist and extra-flavorful thanks to the added fresh thyme in the batter. We used oranges, grapefruit, and lemons, but honestly, use whatever you've got. Just make sure to do your best to really fill the entire bottom with fruit, trimming and overlapping slices as you need.

Get the Citrus Upside-Down Cake recipe.

For this salad, we paired fennel with some other cold weather-friendly ingredients: juicy grapefruit, briny Kalamata olives, creamy goat cheese, and some rich toasted pine nuts. Most things are highly adjustable: Swap in your favorites; just keep those toasty nuts!

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Bored of plain old guacamole? Jazz it up this winter by adding some fresh citrus in the form of grapefruit juice, zest, and chunks. We also added some sunflower seeds for crunch, but sesame seeds or toasty pine nuts would also be lovely.

Get the Citrus Guacamole recipe.

If the idea of sipping cognac kinda scares you, fear not: This concoction of grapefruit juice and triple sec (which you’re familiar with for making margaritas go down so easy) and a sweet-and-spicy rim is bomb.

Get the Spicy Grapefruit Sidecar recipe.

The sweet-tart grapefruit with spicy jalapeño is the perfect combo top pair with flaky cod—and the avocado salsa adds another layer of bright flavor and texture. We're hooked! (No pun intended. 😉)

Get the California Star Ruby Grapefruit Jalapeño Baked Cod recipe.

We love smashes because they highlight the best of what’s in season, in cocktail form. Try a fresh take on the classic whiskey drink with this grapefruit, rosemary, and rum variation. The tang and herbal flavors combine with just a dash (literally) of agave to bring out the sweetness of the rum.

Get the Grapefruit-Rosemary Rum Smash recipe.

No brunch spread is complete without a bubbly drink, and these grapefruit gin-mosas are a mimosa's classier and more mature cousin. The combo of fresh grapefruit juice, grapefruit soda, gin, and your favorite Champagne (or sparkling wine!) is a refreshing twist even the most basic of brunchers will appreciate.

Get the Grapefruit Gin-Mosas recipe.

Get the best of both worlds with this frozen cocktail inspired by the top two Mexican drinks—a margarita and a paloma.

Get the Grapefruit Margarita recipe.

With an earthy, slightly smoky flavor, mezcal brings a uniquely savory quality to the typically tequila-based margarita. To spice things up, we add a colorful salt rim spiked with grapefruit zest and red pepper flakes. Tweak the mixture to your preference with different citrus (orange would also be delicious!) or other spices.

Get the Mezcal Margarita recipe.

Palomas are like the more bubbly, grapefruit-y sister of a margarita, so it's clear to see why we love merging them with a refreshing mimosa. Want to add a little kick to your mimosas? Add 1/4 teaspoon chili powder to your sugar & salt mixture to give your rim some heat.

Get the Paloma Mimosas recipe.

Nothing says summer like pomegranate and grapefruit... and tequila! This super-yummy, fruity paloma slush also gets a kick thanks a spicy chili powder-salt rim. Garnish with fresh ruby red grapefruit wedges for a presentation that’ll prove to your neighbors you’re this summer’s backyard party master.

Get the Frozen Paloma recipe.

If regular orange juice mimosas are a bit too sweet for you, try swapping in the OJ for grapefruit juice. The bitter winter citrus pairs perfectly with bubbly. Make these extra special for the holidays with a light pink sanding sugar rim too!

Get the Grapefruit Mimosas recipe.

Upgrade your favorite taco recipe with fresh orange and grapefruit juice. The best part? This meal can be made right in your slow cooker—cook on high for 4 hours and 45 minutes, or on low for 7 hours and 45 minutes.

Get the Citrusy Shredded Pork recipe from Good Housekeeping.

This play on the traditional orange juice mimosa results in a slightly bitter, herbal concoction—as if Champagne needs any fuss at all. It doesn't, but when it comes to brunch, more is more. And the pretty pink color next to the deep-green sprigs of rosemary is a stunner.

Get the Grapefruit and Rosemary Mimosa recipe from Country Living.

Mix grapefruit juice and homemade jalapeño-infused tequila for a sweet and spicy cocktail you'll want to drink all summer long.

Get the Grapefruit Ranch Water recipe from Country Living.

Top these citrus-infused tarts with homemade sugary-sweet meringue, á la lemon meringue pie, but mini!

Get the Ruby Red Grapefruit Tartlets recipe from Good Housekeeping.

This hearty weeknight dinner, full of protein-packed lentils and heart-healthy salmon, takes only 15 minutes (!!) to cook.

Get the Salmon with Grapefruit and Lentil Salad recipe from Good Housekeeping.

Best part about this wintery salad? You can prep it 2 days in advance and store in the fridge. Fold in the grapefruit, arugula, and steak just before serving.

Get the Steak with Lentil and Grapefruit Salad recipe from Woman's Day.

Think of this super-fresh salad like the winter version of a Caprese, with grapefruits and blood oranges instead of tomatoes and yogurt instead of mozzarella. Need some help with that gorgeous garnish? We got you—check out our guide for how to cut a pomegranate and you'll be a pro in no time.

Get the Winter Citrus Fruit Salad recipe from Good Housekeeping.