These simple and bitter sweet grapefruit champagne cocktail are breeze to make and they star my favorite liquor, Campari. They are perfect to serve instead of orange juice mimosas at your weekend brunch. I think they would also make a fun drink for a ladies night, because they are pink, and because !!!bubbles!!!
When I was typing those last two sentences I almost used the word “classy” to describe this grapefruit champagne cocktail but I didn’t. Because, in actuality this mimosa inspired brunch drink is pretty classy, but in my little brain, using the word “classy” is not classy.
What is it about that word that just sounds all wrong to me? I think this is a result of me being a child of the eighties. In my mind, almost by the very fact that someone uses it, that person actually is the opposite. Like you can almost picture the lady with the giant teased hair and shoulder pads saying it about her newly decorated home. I see her there, waving to the blindingly polished brass chandelier! “Classy!”
Wait, even better, you have to say it in an annoying accent for effect. “Cllllaaaaasy!” and kinda fling your hand at the person your talking to as you say it!
Are you with me?
Okay, I guess you had to be there…
In my head.
Awkward silence.
Moving on to this cocktail.
There is something deliciously quaffable about this combination of bitter sweet Campari, plus the juicy bitter sweet grapefruit plus the ice cold bubbly dry Prosecco! Gulp! It is super fun and unusual but thankfully only has 3 simple ingredients! Prosecco, fresh grapefruit juice and Campari. Easy peasy!
I used Prosecco instead of Champagne since this has an Italian liquor in it, but you can also use Champagne. Look for a less expensive one that says Methode Champenoise on the label. Seriously, don’t go crazy on an expensive sparkling wine here because the other ingredients will mask any subtleties that the finer sparklers have. You just want to find one that is good and dry. When in doubt ask your wine guy or gal. I always do.
One ruby red grapefruit makes about a half a cup of fresh grapefruit juice. Just mix that plus 1 tablespoon Campari into a measuring cup and pour into the bottom of four champagne flutes. 
Then top off with the sparkling wine! Add a quarter slice of grapefruit for garnish. Viola! How classy!
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PinDescription
Just three simple ingredients is all you need to make this elegant pink brunch cocktail. It is a bitter sweet and refreshing alternative to traditional orange juice mimosas.
Ingredients
- 1 ruby red grapefruit
- 1 tablespoon Campari
- 1 bottle dry Champagne or Prosecco
Instructions
- Cut grapefruit in half. Slice one 1/4-inch slice from one half and cut that into four quarter rounds for garnish. Juice the grapefruit halves. Transfer to a glass measuring cup. Add 1 tablespoon Campari and stir to combine. Divide among four champagne flutes. Top with Champagne. Garnish with the grapefruit slices.
Nutrition
- Calories: 159
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
This would be the perfect drink to sip on while the kids hunt for Easter eggs this Sunday 🙂
I agree and they do make such a festive drink for a holiday brunch!
Love the color and simplicity of this bubbly drink! Adding to Sunday brunch menu!!!
Yay! Sounds like you and I have a similar menu this weekend since I am totally making your lamb! Ha ha.
Grapefruit AND Champagne?! Sign. Me. Up.
It is sooo good. I love this alternative to orange juice!
Thinking about subbing these for my planned mimosas on easter morning. They look amazing – I LOVE grapefruit!
Oh well, in that case you should. I love grapefruit too. I love the balance of sweet, sour and bitter. It is a nice change with the sparkling wine. Thanks for visiting today Barbara.
The perfect brunch beverage! They’re so beautiful too!
Thank you Allison. Have a wonderful day.
i read about campari a while ago and bought me a bottle but…i dont think i used it correctly. i absolutely hated it and no matter what recipe i tried, it tasted just baddd. i wish i had kept the bottle and make this recipe. it sounds so refreshing!
I happen to love Campari. It is really bitter though, there is no way around that. Who knows, maybe this grapefruit drink will be a good gateway recipe for you, since you’ll already be expecting that bitter sweet taste associated with grapefruit.
Ooh, I love this post! 🙂 Thanks
You are most welcome Helen. Enjoy!
Hi Katie,
I want this NOW! Looks awesome and all that bubbles…beautiful pics and you’re making me very thirsty! Can you share some more cocktail recipes? This is perfect for relaxing and having a quite time while reading.