Palm Beach Cocktail – Gin, Grapefruit & Vermouth Sunshine Classic
A crisp blend of gin, dry vermouth, and fresh grapefruit juice, the Palm Beach Cocktail channels vintage coastal glamour in every sip. Bright, balanced, and effortlessly chic—perfect for sunny afternoons or elegant evenings.
The Palm Beach Cocktail captures the breezy sophistication of its namesake. A mid-century favorite among seaside socialites, it blends gin, dry vermouth, and grapefruit juice into a bright, balanced drink that’s easy to love.
Background
This recipe first appeared in 1930s bar manuals and gained traction in Florida’s coastal resorts. Its citrus profile and light ABV made it a daytime hit long before “brunch cocktails” were a thing.
What You’ll Need
- Ingredients:
- Gin – crisp botanical base.
- Dry Vermouth – adds herbal depth.
- Grapefruit Juice – delivers tart citrus refreshment.
- Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker, fine strainer, chilled cocktail glass.
Why You’ll Love It
Refreshing yet refined, this drink sits perfectly between a Martini and a Greyhound—lighter than the former, more complex than the latter. Its grapefruit aroma and gentle bitterness keep every sip engaging.
Substitutions & Variations
Try vodka for a softer edge or ruby red grapefruit juice for a touch more sweetness. A dash of elderflower liqueur gives floral lift without overwhelming the balance.
Helpful Tips
Chill your glass well and shake longer than usual for a velvety texture. Garnish with a grapefruit twist to emphasize the citrus oils.
Palm Beach Cocktail Recipe
Type of Glass
Cocktail Glass
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz.
- 1/2 oz.
- 1 oz.
Directions
- Add gin, dry vermouth, and fresh grapefruit juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Fine-strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a grapefruit twist and serve immediately.
Raise a glass to seaside charm—this Palm Beach classic proves simple ingredients can still feel spectacular.
