Can I use bottled grapefruit juice instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While freshly squeezed grapefruit juice offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor, good-quality bottled juice works well and keeps prep easy.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the NEW CRUSH?

Absolutely! Replace the vodka with additional club soda or a splash of lemonade. The drink will still be vibrant and refreshing without the alcohol.

How do I make strawberry syrup at home?

Combine 1 cup chopped strawberries, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup water in a saucepan. Simmer until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly (about 10 minutes). Strain and cool before using.

What's the best glassware for serving the NEW CRUSH?

A highball glass is ideal, as it allows plenty of room for ice and club soda, letting the flavors mingle and the color shine.

NEW CRUSH

Name: NEW CRUSH
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 1.5 oz Vodka; 1 oz Fresh grapefruit juice; 0.75 oz Strawberry syrup; 0.5 oz Lime juice; 2 oz Club soda; 2 Strawberries

The NEW CRUSH is a vibrant, fruit-forward cocktail designed to capture the butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling of a first crush. With its dazzling pink hue, bright citrus, and a playful touch of effervescence, this drink is all about fresh starts and flirtatious fun. Whether you're celebrating a budding romance or just want to toast to new adventures, the NEW CRUSH is the perfect glass to raise.

5 minutesEasy1 serving

Featured

Ingredients

1 serving

Vodka
45 ml (1.5 oz)
Choose a quality, smooth vodka
Fresh grapefruit juice
30 ml (1 oz)
Freshly squeezed for best flavor
Strawberry syrup
25 ml (0.75 oz)
Homemade or premium store-bought
Lime juice
15 ml (0.5 oz)
Fresh squeezed
Club soda
60 ml (2 oz)
To top off for fizz
Strawberries
2
Sliced, for muddling

Tools Needed

Cocktail shaker
Jigger
Strainer
Muddler
Highball glass

Instructions

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the sliced strawberries gently to release their juices.
Add vodka, grapefruit juice, strawberry syrup, and lime juice to the shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with club soda and give a gentle stir to combine.
Garnish with a strawberry slice and a lime wheel on the rim.

Why You'll Love This Cocktail

Eye-catching color and Instagram-worthy presentation
Delightfully fresh and fruity flavor profile
Easy to make with accessible ingredients
Perfect balance of sweet, tart, and bubbly
Invokes a sense of fun and excitement with every sip

History & Origin

The NEW CRUSH is a modern invention, inspired by the classic 'crush' cocktails of the coastal U.S., especially Maryland and Virginia, where muddled fruit and citrus are the stars. This drink was first mixed in the late 2010s by a creative bartender looking to bottle the excitement of meeting someone special. It quickly gained popularity in trendy cocktail bars for its striking appearance and refreshing taste, making it a favorite for both date nights and celebrations with friends.

Garnish

A fresh strawberry slice and a lime wheel add a pop of color and a hint of fruity aroma, inviting you to take that first exciting sip.

Nutrition Info

Approx. 150 calories per serving. Contains about 15g sugar, 0g fat, and 1g protein. Nutritional values may vary based on choice of syrups and juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

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