What does Amaro do in a cocktail with grapefruit and vodka? It darkens it. The grapefruit is bright and tart. The vodka is clean. The Amaro Donna Rosa, a Sicilian bitter liqueur, brings a herbal, bittersweet depth that turns a simple grapefruit cocktail into something adults linger over. Topped with a pour of sparkling rosé or Prosecco and a fresh basil leaf, it is a drink that looks pink and light but has weight underneath. We keep making this on repeat whenever aperitivo hour rolls around.
Shaken or stirred with honey or simple syrup, poured over crushed ice, and finished with the sparkle on top. The basil is not garnish for show. It is aromatic. You smell it before each sip and it shifts how the grapefruit registers. I discovered this drink at an Italian aperitivo bar and have been making it since.
How to Make Amaro Grapefruit Sparkler
Shake the Base
Combine equal parts grapefruit juice, honey or simple syrup, and vodka with about three-quarters part Amaro Donna Rosa. Shake or stir with ice until cold. If using honey, shake hard to help it dissolve. 
Build Over Crushed Ice
Fill a glass with crushed ice. Pour the shaken mixture over. Top with sparkling rosé or Prosecco, about half a part. Do not stir after adding the sparkling wine. It should sit on top and fizz.
Place a fresh basil leaf on top. Slap it gently between your palms before placing it to release the oils. The basil aroma lifts off the surface of the cold drink.
Amaro Grapefruit Sparkler
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: Serves 1
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A bittersweet summer sip. Amaro and grapefruit juice combine for a refreshing cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1 part (237 ml) Grapefruit Juice
- 1 part (237 ml) Honey or Simple Syrup
- 1 part (237 ml) Vodka
- 0.75 parts (178 ml) Amaro Donna Rosa
- 0.5 parts (118 ml) Sparkling Rosé or Prosecco
- Fresh Basil
- Crushed ice
Instructions
- Shake or stir together the grapefruit juice, honey or simple syrup, vodka, and Amaro.
- Pour into a glass filled with crushed ice.
- Top with a splash of sparkling Rosé or Prosecco and a fresh basil leaf.
Notes
- For a less sweet cocktail, reduce the honey or simple syrup to 0.75 parts.
- If you don’t have Amaro Donna Rosa, try another amaro or even a bitter liqueur like Aperol.
- To make ahead, prepare the amaro, vodka, and grapefruit mixture and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; top with sparkling wine just before serving.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amaro Donna Rosa?
A Sicilian bitter liqueur with herbal, citrus, and bittersweet notes. If unavailable, Aperol or Campari are the closest substitutes, though the flavour profile differs. Any Italian amaro will work in a pinch.
Can I use orange juice instead of grapefruit?
You can, but you lose the tartness that makes this drink balanced. Grapefruit is bitter and dry, which complements the Amaro. Orange would make it sweeter and less complex.
Can I skip the sparkling wine?
You can top with plain sparkling water instead. The rosé or Prosecco adds a subtle fruitiness and elegance. Sparkling water makes it lighter and less alcoholic.
