Pamplemousse Cocktails and Where to Find Them

by Jennifer Waldera in Roundups

We here at Drink Baltimore don’t make the trends, but we like what’s on the horizon for popular drinks this year, including a call by some that Crème de Pamplemousse is going to be the “next big thing” in cocktails. Since this liqueur has a light grapefruit flavor, we’re probably not going to see it amp up in Charm City until the weather warms a bit, though it might be found at a few spots already incorporated into Grapefruit Crushes (Wit & Wisdom, we’re looking at you).

That said, we’re all ready for a taste of the warmer months, so here are a few trend forward cocktails to sip around town as you wait for spring to settle in. We expect to see a whole lot more crop up soon.

Bluegrass Tavern
Ground Control to Marjoram
Bourbon and Pamplemousse? We’re already in love. This shaken cocktail, with Knob Creek Bourbon, Combier Pamplemousse Rose and house-made marjoram and ginger brown sugar simple syrup, is the perfect start to a night or a sweet nightcap. (1500 S Hanover St.; 410-244-5101)

Family Meal
#8 AKA Hometown Hero
Bryan Voltaggio’s newest restaurant in Baltimore is featuring some of the most innovative cocktails in town, which may be unexpected given the name of the restaurant. Regardless, this bar, which is a centerpiece to the restaurant, is featuring a hit mezcal beverage on the menu that doesn’t outright use Pamplemousse, but features the same flavors with its grapefruit/cinnamon syrup that mirrors the flavors of the liqueur. And who doesn’t love a shout out to #8? (621 E Pratt St.; 410-601-3242)

Birroteca
Hop the Pond
Created by the talented Nick Ramey of Birroteca, this hoppy cocktail is perfect for warmer weather. Hophead Vodka paired with Crème de Pamplemousse and topped with local craft brewer Evolution’s Lot #3 IPA, this concoction is one we hope to be sipping not only at Birroteca, but also oceanside this summer. (1520 Clipper Rd.; 443-708-1934)

Brewer’s Art
Papain
We already love the Brewer’s Art for the house-brewed beer and extensive wine list, all housed in a gorgeous, artsy upstairs, or downright (beautifully) gritty downstairs, but the addition of this classy beverage to the menu makes us love them even more. Campari and Pamplemousse Rose are shaken up and topped with sparkling wine and orange slices for a refreshingly delicious cocktail. (1106 N Charles St.; 410-547-6925)