I love citrus. From tiny kumquats to blood oranges to yellow and pink grapefruits, I keep my fruit bowl well-stocked and throw citrus into as much of my cooking as possible. Having all this citrus around also means that fresh ingredients are always on hand for cocktails. Grapefruit is one of my favorites, as it has a bittersweet, floral, and refreshing flavor that plays so nicely with many spirits. Shake it with tequila for a classic Paloma, mix it with gin, or do a twist on the Moscow mule for this sweet and spicy grapefruit mule.

The Moscow mule traditionally has three ingredients: vodka, lime and ginger beer. But swap out the lime for grapefruit and it’s even more refreshing, with a nice balance of sweet, spicy, floral, and bitter. Because it uses ruby red grapefruit juice, the bubbly cocktail is also a pretty shade of pale pink — perfect for springtime or to brighten up happy hour.

Why you’ll love it

Key ingredients in a grapefruit mule

Grapefruit Mule

Serves 1

Ice

1 1/2 ounces chilled store-bought 100% ruby-red grapefruit juice, or 1/2 medium ruby-red grapefruit

1 1/2 ounces vodka

3 ounces chilled ginger beer

Thin grapefruit wedge, for garnish (optional)

1. If using a grapefruit, juice 1/2 medium ruby-red grapefruit until you have 1 1/2 ounces and strain out the pulp if desired.

2. Fill an old-fashioned glass or copper mug about halfway full with ice. Add 1 1/2 ounces grapefruit juice and 1 1/2 ounces vodka. Stir gently to combine. Top with 3 ounces chilled ginger beer and stir again. Garnish with a thin grapefruit wedge if desired.

(Christine Gallary is a senior recipe editor for TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to editorial@thekitchn.com.)

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