Gibb Cocktail
A dry, crisp mix of gin, dry vermouth, and grapefruit juice.
Base spirit
Gin
Style
Aperitif
Glassware
Cocktail glass
Technique
Shake
The Gibb Cocktail is a forgotten gem that acts as a drier, sharper cousin to the Bronx. It combines gin and dry vermouth with fresh grapefruit juice (rather than orange), creating a profile that is bracingly tart and savory. It appeals to drinkers who find orange juice too sweet in cocktails. It is lean, aromatic, and distinctly pre-Prohibition in style.
Did you know?
“The drink appears in the *Savoy Cocktail Book* but remains obscure compared to its orange-juice counterparts.”
Source:Savoy Cocktail Book
Bartender's Note
Use white or pink grapefruit juice; ruby red may be too sweet for the intended dryness.
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How to make the Gibb Cocktail
- 1Add gin, dry vermouth, and fresh grapefruit juice to a shaker filled with ice
- 2Shake until well chilled
- 3Strain into a Cocktail glass
- 4Garnish with grapefruit twist and serve
