Taste Test: Grapefruit Sodas

Indicative of the sheer popularity of the Paloma cocktail, sparkling grapefruit has become nearly as essential a mixer as club soda. Fortunately, a bevy of brands offer high-quality versions that pack the bittersweet punch of the citrus with a flavor and fizz that stand up in mixed drinks. Because what says summer more than a little sweet, a little tart, and a little sparkle?

Badger Bevs Sparkling Grapefruit

Newer to market shelves, Badger Bevs launched in 2022, created in partnership with bartender Jillian Vose (Dead Rabbit, Death & Co) and featuring tonic water, club soda, and ginger beer all meant for mixing. The Sparkling Grapefruit, released this spring, boasts extra-high carbonation levels for extended fizz, which helps to lift the zest-like scent of grapefruit peel. Sweeter overall than some of the others, it’s balanced by a note of bitter pith. See badgerbevs.com for distribution.

Strongwater Sparkling Grapefruit Soda

A Colorado-based maker of mixers, bitters, and syrups, Strongwater was founded by a chemist, an herbalist, and a mixologist. This trio of perspectives can be seen in their Sparkling Grapefruit Soda that, in addition to red and pink grapefruit juice, includes rose, hibiscus, and pink sea salt. Though this soda’s the least traditional of the bunch, its bright flavors of grapefruit shine, while the additional ingredients create a compelling and complementary flavor profile. $29.95/12-pack, strongwater.com

Top Note Sparkling Grapefruit Soda

Milwaukee, Wisconsin–based Top Note Tonics has been aiming to improve the realm of craft cocktail mixers since launching in 2017. Made with 15 percent Ruby Red grapefruit juice, their Sparkling Grapefruit Soda drinks almost like freshly carbonated juice—perfectly sweet and tart without any artificial notes. $34.99/16-pack, topnotetonic.com

East Imperial Grapefruit Soda

New Zealand brand East Imperial has long been adored for its flavorful tonic waters. Their Grapefruit Soda, made with Ruby Red juice and cane sugar, presents an equally clean and fresh flavor palette, with lots of juicy citrusy aromas and a solid balance between tart and sweet. $19.79/10-pack, amazon.com

Franklin & Sons Sparkling Pink Grapefruit

U.K.-based Franklin & Sons has been crafting beverages since the 19th century, beginning with their home-brewed ginger beer. Today, the global company has an expanded range of both standard mixers and creative flavor combos. The Sparkling Pink Grapefruit keeps to the drier side of the spectrum, made with grapefruit and lime juice, resulting in a bright, fresh aroma and a delicate flavor. $2.25/6.76-oz., proofnomore.com

Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit

A longtime industry favorite and easy-to-find option for home bartenders, Fever-Tree has almost 20 tonics, sparklers, and mixers to its name. The Sparkling Pink Grapefruit carries plenty of tart, juicy flavor from red and pink grapefruits bolstered by a good fizz and just enough sweetness, making it a no-brainer for Palomas. $5.99/4-pack, target.com