Make a delicious grapefruit cold brew coffee recipe that combines cold brew and refreshing grapefruit juice for a different take on coffee. Perfect for summer!
I'm going to be upfront with you guys: I got the idea for this drink from Bling Empire, a reality TV show following a group of rich young(ish) people of Asian descent in New York.
The show is not great, and would not be worthy of its own blog post. But when one of the show's worldly young ingenues, just arrived from Singapore, ordered a grapefruit-coffee combo in a rooftop cafe in Manhattan, I KNEW I had to give this a try.
Since then, this unusual combination of grapefruit and my own homemade cold brew coffee has won me over. It's fizzy, fun, a bit bitter and a bit sweet — a great way to start a warm day. Honestly, summer mornings become better and brighter thanks to this grapefruit cold brew. For more coffees you won't be able to resist, try my cherry vanilla iced latte recipe and vanilla oat latte.
Combining coffee and grapefruit
After several attempts to create something refreshing yet caffeinated for warm weather brunches, I discovered the key to pairing citrus and coffee is all in the balance.
Grapefruit, with its perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, surprised me by complementing the cold brew's natural chocolate notes. I tested different ratios until I found that equal parts strong cold brew and fresh grapefruit juice created the perfect balance that'll make you want to pour in another glass.
But you may like more coffee than grapefruit, so start with my recommendation and go from there!
Once your cold brew has steeped overnight, this refreshing coffee takes just minutes to mix. I love serving it for brunches, weekend get-togethers, or anytime I want something more interesting than regular iced coffee. The preparation is meditative for me—watching the dark coffee swirl with the grapefruit juice creates beautiful patterns in the glass.
I first made this grapefruit coffee recipe for a morning garden party where I wanted to serve something unexpected for my guests. The combination gave me confused faces at first, but the pitcher emptied quickly as guests returned for refills. Now it's one of my favorite summer drinks—the bright citrus notes wake up both the coffee and the senses in the most beautiful and refreshing way.
Ingredients
- Cold brew - This forms the base of the drink, giving a rich and smooth flavor profile. After experimenting with different grind sizes, I’ve found that coarsely ground coffee extracts the best flavors without bitterness. If I’m out of my favorite brand, I’ll grind whole beans to achieve the right consistency. You can also use iced coffee if you like, but I love how the long steeping of a cold brew extracts fruity and mellow notes from the coffee.
- Grapefruit juice - This adds a tangy brightness that beautifully complements the coffee. I prefer freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for its vibrant flavor, but in a pinch, high-quality bottled juice works too. The tartness of the grapefruit balances the coffee's richness perfectly.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
If you're in the mood for a refreshing drink that combines the rich flavors of coffee with a citrusy twist, this grapefruit coffee drink is just what you need.
Make the Cold Brew
Start by taking a clean jar and adding the coarse ground coffee to it. Pour in the cold water and make sure that all the coffee grounds are fully submerged. This step is crucial for proper extraction. Use a spoon to gently stir the mixture, making sure the coffee grounds are evenly distributed in the water.
Refrigerate the Mixture
Once the coffee grounds and water are combined, cover the jar with a lid or plastic wrap. Place the jar in the refrigerator and let it steep for 8 to 12 hours. The longer you let it steep, the stronger the flavor will be. I usually aim for around 12 hours to achieve a rich, full-bodied cold brew.
Strain the Coffee
After the steeping time is complete, it’s time to strain the coffee. Set up a clean jar or pitcher to catch the brewed coffee. Use a coffee filter or a fine mesh sieve to filter the mixture, pouring it slowly to separate the liquid from the coffee grounds. This step will help achieve a smooth cold brew without any gritty texture.
Add Grapefruit Juice
Once you have strained the coffee, add the grapefruit juice to the brewed coffee. Stir the mixture well to combine the flavors. The tartness of the grapefruit juice will complement the coffee, creating a refreshing drink. Taste the mixture and adjust the amount of grapefruit juice if you prefer a stronger or milder flavor.
Serve Over Ice
To serve, fill a glass with ice cubes. Pour the grapefruit coffee mixture over the ice, allowing the cold brew to chill further. This drink is best enjoyed immediately, but you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for a day or two.
Top Tips
Use coarse coffee grounds: For the best flavor extraction, always use coarse ground coffee when making cold brew. Fine grounds can lead to a bitter taste and a gritty texture. If you’re grinding your own beans, aim for a consistency similar to that of sea salt.
Adjust the grapefruit juice: The amount of grapefruit juice can be adjusted based on your taste preference. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, start with less grapefruit juice and gradually add more until you reach your desired balance. Freshly squeezed juice will give the best flavor.
Chill your glasses: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your glasses in the refrigerator or freezer before serving. This helps keep the cold brew colder for longer and enhances the overall drinking experience. You can also use coffee ice cubes to prevent dilution while maintaining the flavor.
More Flavored Coffees to Try
If you enjoy the balance of bold coffee and citrus in grapefruit cold brew, you might like other drinks that play with contrasting flavors. The cherry vanilla iced latte brings together rich espresso, sweet cherry, and smooth vanilla for a refreshing yet deep-flavored option. For something nutty and creamy without dairy or common allergens, the sunbutter latte is a great choice, giving a toasty richness that pairs well with coffee.
If you're drawn to earthy flavors, the matcha latte with pistachio spread has a naturally sweet and slightly savory depth. And for those who love the cozy spices of fall, both the pumpkin spice cold brew and the pumpkin spice latte bring warming spices into smooth, spiced coffee drinks perfect for crisp mornings or an afternoon break.
What to Serve With Grapefruit Cold Brew Coffee
The bright, citrusy notes of grapefruit cold brew coffee pair well with both sweet and savory foods. For a lighter pairing, the smooth texture and tangy flavor of vegan lemon curd complement the coffee’s refreshing sharpness. If you're in the mood for something heartier, the natural sweetness of baked plantains with guava and cheese balances the drink’s boldness with its mix of caramelized plantains, fruity guava, and creamy cheese.
For a more comforting option, the spiced depth of soft gingerbread loaf casserole works beautifully alongside the crisp notes of the coffee. If you prefer something savory, baked brie with honey and nuts adds a rich, creamy contrast, while the crunch of cheesy cabbage casserole with cracker topping brings in a satisfying texture. And for an extra touch of fruitiness, a drizzle of simple blackberry syrup can enhance the coffee’s citrus notes while adding a subtle sweetness.
Grapefruit Cold Brew Coffee Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup coarse ground coffee
- 2 cups cold water
- ½ cup grapefruit juice
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a jar, combine coffee grounds and cold water.
- Stir to combine. Refrigerate 8-12 hours.
- Strain coffee through a filter into another jar.
- Add grapefruit juice and stir to combine.
- Fill a glass with ice and pour coffee over ice
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