Grapefruit is the one juice that shares amaro's own bitterness, which makes it unusually easy to pair. Where lemon contrasts with a bitter liqueur, grapefruit agrees with it, extending the bitterness rather than cutting through it.
The classic proof is the Siesta and the Monte Paloma — tequila, grapefruit and a bittersweet Italian liqueur, with the citrus and the amaro reinforcing one another instead of competing.
Grapefruit peel is even more useful than the juice: expressed over a stirred drink, it adds sulphurous, tropical top notes that make a heavy amaro feel lighter.
What grapefruit tastes like
Tart, faintly sulphurous, pleasantly bitter.
Behind the bar
- ✦Grapefruit juice oxidises fast — use it within the hour.
- ✦A grapefruit twist is the best single upgrade to a White Negroni.
- ✦Pink and ruby varieties are sweeter; adjust syrup down accordingly.
Amari made with grapefruit
Bottles from the Encyclopedia of Amaro that list it among their botanicals.
Grapefruit cocktails to make tonight
Recipes from the Cocktail Lab that use grapefruit.
Grapefruit: frequently asked questions
Why does grapefruit work so well with amaro?
Grapefruit is itself bitter, so it extends the amaro's bitterness rather than clashing with it, while its acidity keeps the drink refreshing.