Grapefruit-Cardamom Fizz

The Grapefruit-Cardamom Fizz is an elegant and vibrant non-alcoholic beverage perfect for any occasion. It combines freshly squeezed grapefruit juice with a homemade cardamom-infused simple syrup, topped with sparkling water for a delightful effervescence. The result is a beautifully balanced drink that is both tart and sweet, with a sophisticated, spicy aroma. It's a fantastic choice for those seeking a complex flavor profile without the alcohol.
Grapefruit-Cardamom Fizz

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This is a modern, non-alcoholic mocktail designed as a sophisticated alternative to cocktails. It belongs to the category of sparkling drinks or fizzes, celebrated for their effervescence and fresh flavors.

Serving

Served cold over ice in a tall Highball glass, this drink is completely non-alcoholic. Its presentation is simple yet elegant, highlighting its refreshing qualities.
Serving size
Approximately 240 ml / 8 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This mocktail is a product of the modern craft beverage movement, which emphasizes fresh ingredients and unique flavor pairings. It doesn't have a long historical backstory but rather represents the growing demand for sophisticated, adult-oriented non-alcoholic options. The combination of citrus and spice is a classic pairing found in various cuisines and has been creatively adapted into this refreshing fizz.
Origin
This is a contemporary creation without a specific documented origin. It reflects 21st-century trends in mixology, likely emerging from North American or European craft beverage scenes in the 2010s.

Grapefruit-Cardamom Fizz

The drink is primarily known as Grapefruit-Cardamom Fizz. Alternative names like Spiced Grapefruit Spritzer or Cardamom Grapefruit Soda simply describe its key flavor components and refreshing character.
Original name
Grapefruit-Cardamom Fizz
Alternative names
  • Spiced Grapefruit Spritzer
  • Cardamom Grapefruit Soda

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a refreshing balance of tart grapefruit and warm cardamom spice, with a crisp, bubbly texture. Its pale pink hue and effervescence make it visually appealing for any season.
Flavor
Tart, citrusy, sweet, spicy, aromatic, refreshing
Aroma
Grapefruit, cardamom, warm spice
Taste balance
Balanced sweet and sour
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, lingering spice
Fizziness
Effervescent, bubbly
Color appearance
Pale pink, clear, sparkling
Texture
Light, crisp, watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, all-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely fruity and sour, balanced by moderate sweetness, warm spice, and high carbonation. It is a completely non-alcoholic beverage with no creaminess or saltiness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires three main components: fresh grapefruit juice for a tart base, a homemade cardamom-infused simple syrup for sweetness and spice, and sparkling water for fizz.
  • Fresh Grapefruit Juice60 ml / 2 oz
    Preferably freshly squeezed pink or red grapefruit for better color and sweetness.
  • Cardamom Simple Syrup22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    To make: Heat 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar with 8-10 lightly crushed green cardamom pods until sugar dissolves. Let steep for 30 minutes, then strain.
  • Sparkling Water120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
    Chilled club soda or seltzer works well.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker to combine and chill the juice and syrup effectively before adding the sparkling water. A strainer is also needed to ensure a smooth pour.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing the juice and syrup.
  • Strainer for pouring the shaken mixture.

Instructions

The process involves shaking the grapefruit juice and cardamom syrup with ice, straining it into an ice-filled glass, and then topping it off with sparkling water. Garnish before serving.
1. Fill a Highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add the fresh grapefruit juice and cardamom simple syrup to the shaker.
4. Shake well for about 10-15 seconds until chilled.
5. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the ice-filled glass.
6. Top with chilled sparkling water.
7. Gently stir once to combine.
8. Garnish with a grapefruit twist or wedge.

Garnishing

Garnish simply with a twist of grapefruit peel to enhance the aroma, or a small grapefruit wedge. An optional cardamom pod can be added for visual appeal.
  • Grapefruit twist or wedge on the rim of the glass.
  • A single green cardamom pod dropped into the drink (optional).

Dietary Information

This mocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as alcohol, caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

Per serving, this mocktail is relatively low in calories (around 100 kcal) but contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates and sugar, primarily from the juice and simple syrup.
Calories
Approximately 90-110 kcal / 377-460 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 22-26 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 20-24 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This versatile mocktail is suitable for a wide range of events, from daytime gatherings like brunch to evening dinner parties. Its refreshing nature makes it perfect for warm weather and summer celebrations.
  • Brunch
  • Baby Shower
  • Summer Party
  • Dinner Party

Pairing suggestions

The drink's tart and spicy profile pairs wonderfully with light fare like salads and grilled seafood. It can also cut through the richness of cheese or complement the complex flavors of spicy cuisines.
  • Light salads with citrus vinaigrette
  • Grilled seafood or chicken
  • Spicy Asian or Middle Eastern dishes
  • Cheese plates, especially with goat cheese

The Elegant Sparkle of the Grapefruit-Cardamom Fizz

The Grapefruit-Cardamom Fizz is a sophisticated and refreshing alcohol-free mocktail perfect for those who appreciate complex flavors. Its foundation of tart grapefruit juice is beautifully complemented by the aromatic warmth of a homemade cardamom syrup. Topped with sparkling water, it's a bubbly, crisp, and visually appealing drink suitable for any occasion, from a sunny brunch to an elegant evening gathering.

Variations

Rosemary Grapefruit Fizz

Replace the cardamom simple syrup with a rosemary-infused simple syrup.

Similar Mocktails

Virgin Paloma

Uses grapefruit soda instead of fresh juice and sparkling water, and typically includes lime juice instead of a spiced syrup.

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