Banker’s Lunch

In a BANKER’S LUNCH, the neutral quality of vodka allows a couple of our favorite breakfast flavors — grapefruit & orange — to combine with dry vermouth in a spirited old-fashioned-style cocktail. It’s mix proves the versatility of grapefruit juice yet again, when combined this time with vodka. Other great spirit combinations using grapefruit juice include tequila (Paloma), gin (Frenchie), rum (Hemingway Daiquiri) and whiskey (Brown Derby).

Requirements: vodka, dry vermouth, orange liqueur (Cointreau preferred), grapefruit juice, simple syrup (optional), grapefruit twist (optional)

• 1.5 oz. vodka
• 1.5 oz. grapefruit juice
• 1/2 oz. dry vermouth
• 1/2 oz. orange liqueur
• 1/2 tsp. simple syrup (optional)
• 1 grapefruit twist garnish (optional)

Add ingredients to an ice-filled shaker. Shake to chill and strain into a rocks Old-Fashioned glass filled with ice (1 large Old-Fashioned-type ice cube recommended). Garnish with a grapefruit twist (optional).

History: This drink was reportedly created by bartending pro Eric Alperin at The Varnish speakeasy-style bar in L.A., 2016. The reason for its name is not known.

Comments: The recipe above is loyal to the original; however, I’d add the optional 1/2 teaspoon simple syrup to offset some bitterness. This is a nice summer drink in the same theme as the Platinum Blonde.

Similar Cocktails Using Grapefruit:

Frenchie — https://keetscocktails.com/frenchie/

Hemingway Daiquiri — https://keetscocktails.com/hemingway-daiquiri/

Brown Derby — https://keetscocktails.com/brown-derby-2/

Platinum Blonde — https://keetscocktails.com/platinum-blonde/

Paloma — https://keetscocktails.com/paloma/