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A Taste of Florida

5.0 · 1 reviewsRecipe card by Mirj2338Editorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 15, 2026
CitrusFruitVeganKosher< 15 MinsNo Cook
A Taste of Florida

Total time

5 min

Servings

4

Calories

83.3

Category

Beverages

A Taste of Florida is a vibrant, sun-drenched cooler that balances the bold tang of ruby grapefruit with the delicate honeyed notes of tangerine. This effortless, no-cook beverage is perfect for beginner hosts looking to brighten up a brunch menu or satisfy a crowd on a humid afternoon.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

  • 2 grapefruit juice
  • 1 1/2 tangerine juice
  • 1 seltzer water
  • 1 pink grapefruit

Method

  1. Mix together grapefruit and tangerines juices, apricot nectar and seltzer.

  2. Pour over crushed ice in tall pitcher.

  3. Garnish with slices of pink grapefruit.

Cook's notes

  • Use freshly squeezed juice whenever possible to capture the essential oils in the zest, which significantly elevate the flavor profile over bottled alternatives.
  • Chill your seltzer water in the freezer for 15 minutes before mixing to ensure the drink stays effervescent longer once poured over ice.
  • Crush your ice using a tea towel and a mallet to create larger, slower-melting shards that won't dilute the juice blend as quickly as fine chips.
  • To prevent the garnish from floating, slice your pink grapefruit into thin wheels and press them against the inside glass walls before pouring the liquid.

Easy swaps

  • Instead of apricot nectar, use peach pureeOffers a similar viscosity and stone-fruit sweetness that anchors the acidity of the citrus.
  • Instead of tangerine juice, use mandarin orange juiceProvides an almost identical bright, floral sweetness if tangerines are out of season.
  • Instead of seltzers, use sparkling mineral waterAdds a subtle salinity that helps soften the bitterness of the grapefruit.
  • Instead of pink grapefruit, use blood orange slicesAdds a deeper, dramatic crimson hue and a slightly berry-forward undertone.

Frequently asked

Can I make A Taste of Florida ahead of time?

You can mix the grapefruit juice, tangerine juice, and apricot nectar hours in advance, but hold off on adding the seltzer until the last minute to keep the bubbles crisp.

Why is the garnish floating?

If you prefer the grapefruit slices to stay submerged, use thinner wheels or weigh them down with a heavy ice cube; otherwise, the natural acidity of the grapefruit can cause it to bob on top.

How do I make the flavor less tart?

If the grapefruit is particularly sharp, add a splash more apricot nectar or a tablespoon of agave syrup to balance the pH levels without losing the citrus character.

Does the seltzer need to be plain?

Plain is recommended for the best balance, but a lime or ginger-flavored seltzer can add an interesting aromatic layer to this Florida-inspired drink.

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