Lethal Injection – Citrus Rum Sunset Cocktail

A bright and easy-drinking rum cocktail, the Lethal Injection blends citrus juice with a smooth base and a signature grenadine float. This cocktail leans refreshing and slightly sweet, with just enough bitterness from grapefruit to keep it balanced. It’s a reliable pick for casual hosting or sunny afternoons.

Background

The Lethal Injection is a modern bar creation that gained traction in the 2000s alongside colorful, presentation-driven cocktails. While it doesn’t trace back to a single origin, it follows the visual style of drinks like the Tequila Sunrise, using grenadine for a layered effect. Its appeal comes from combining simple ingredients with strong visual payoff.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• Light Rum – the clean, neutral base that carries the drink
• Orange Juice – adds sweetness and body
• Grapefruit Juice – introduces a slight bitterness for balance
• Grenadine – provides sweetness and creates the layered finish

Substitutions:

• No grapefruit juice? Use a mix of orange juice and a small amount of lime juice
• Swap light rum for coconut rum for a more tropical profile
• Use pomegranate syrup instead of grenadine for a deeper flavor

Equipment

• Shaker
• Collins glass
• Ice
• Strainer

What Makes This Drink Work

The Sunset Effect

The slow pour of grenadine creates a natural gradient that shifts from deep red to bright orange. It’s simple to execute but visually strong, making it a go-to when presentation matters without adding complexity.

Substitutions & Variations

• Make it lighter: Top with soda water for a spritz-style version
• Dial up the citrus: Add a small squeeze of fresh lime
• Go sweeter: Increase grenadine slightly or use blood orange juice

Helpful Tips

• Always add grenadine last to preserve the layered look
• Use fresh ice in the glass to avoid over-dilution
• Shake just enough to chill—over-shaking can flatten the citrus
• Serve immediately for the best color contrast