Cocktails with Grapefruit slice
A grapefruit slice is a wheel or half-wheel of grapefruit dropped into the drink, where it adds a light bitter-citrus edge as it sits.
How it's used
In the glass the peel releases a little oil across the surface, and the pith slowly gives up bitterness, more the longer the drink stands. That suits spritzes and long gin or tequila builds that already carry a bitter note. Cut half-wheels, not full ones: they take less room in a crowded glass and bring less pith.
Substitutes for Grapefruit slice
Orange wheel
Works the same way but brings less bitterness.
Lemon wheel
Another great swap, though it makes things sharper.
Grapefruit twist
The colored peel gives more aroma than a slice. However, it brings no juice and little color.
The pith
Won't work. The white layer holds far more bitterness than the juice.
Storage
Cut slices dry at the edges within a couple of hours, so cut them to order. Choose unwaxed fruit whenever the peel is going into the glass.
