Patty brought home some grapefruit last night and basically said, “make me a cocktail.” I know, it sounds abusive and demanding but I live for these kind of moments. We rarely have grapefruit lying around so it’s always a great opportunity to spin up a few of my favorite grapefruit cocktails.
Of course, we started with a bohemian—a personal classic fav of mine made with gin, grapefruit and elderflower. Then I jumped to something I’ve never actually tried at home, a grapefruit margarita. But don’t you mean a Paloma, Shawn?
No, I’m talking about using grapefruit juice as the sole source of citrus in a margarita. Palomas are great, but I didn’t want to mess around with extra lime juice or soda water (which I didn’t have on hand anyway).
How to Make a Grapefruit Margarita
My grapefruit margaritas are made with reposado tequila, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and triple sec. They’re real, simple, and a refreshing twist on the classic marg. A lot of critics may think a grapefruit-based cocktail is bitter. Well, you’re right, however paired with simple syrup and triple sec, that bitterness fades into irresistible flavor.
Best Tequila for Margaritas?
A quick note on top shelf tequilas. I love them for sipping on the rocks or neat with a lime, but I’d skip them when it comes to a margarita. There are several mid-range tequilas that are really good without breaking the bank. Miligro, Espolòn, Altos, Hornitos, Corralejo to name a few. Save the Casamigos and Don Julio for sipping.
Prep Time:
Yield:
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PinIngredients
- 2 ounces reposado tequila (silver will do)
- 3/4 ounces simple syrup
- 3/4 ounces fresh grapefruit juice (buy 2 grapefruits for a batch of 4-6)
- 1/2 ounce Cointreau or triple sec
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds and pour into a Double Old-Fashioned glass with a salted rim.
- Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
Notes
Rub the rim of your glass with a grapefruit wedge to adhere the salt.
