My grapefruit margarita recipe is very similar to the classic paloma cocktail. I borrowed some inspiration and upped the ante with elderflower liquor while omitting soda water. The cocktail drinks like a true margarita and is a little more punchy than a paloma. While I love a poloma, I think I’ll stick with this variation.

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Grapefruit Margarita Tips

My grapefruit margaritas are made with blanco tequila, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and elderflower liquor. They’re real, simple, and offer 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 elderflower, that bitterness fades into the irresistible flavor.

It’s so important to use freshly squeezed citrus when making margaritas from scratch. Skip juices or anything bottled. They simply don’t compare in terms of flavor or freshness. The good news is you can squeeze a lot of juice out of a grapefruit. If you’re making margaritas often (like me), invest in a handheld lemon/lime squeezer. You can also get larger handheld juicers for oranges and grapefruits.

I always use red or pink grapefruits. The darker red flesh of the red grapefruit is believed to be the sweeter of the two. Both work well, but red grapefruits give the margarita a nicer color.

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. I’d put Casamigos Blanco and Don Julio Blanco right on the cusp in terms of being overboard for a margarita….but it hasn’t stopped me in the past.

Look for:

Milagro
Teremana
Espolòn
Altos
Hornitos
Corralejo
1800

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