Fresh Grapefruit Margarita Recipe

A Grapefruit Margarita is a seasonal variation on the classic, tequila-based cocktail. In addition to orange liqueur, lime juice, and a salted rim, this cocktail also contains fresh grapefruit juice. Fresh-squeezed grapefruit is the gold standard, but you can also use a good bottle of one hundred percent grapefruit juice.

To make a Grapefruit Margarita, you’ll need tequila, orange liqueur, lime, and grapefruit juice:

1. 1. Tequila: There’s no way around it: great cocktails need a foundation of quality liquor. Tequila, made from the agave plant, has a distinct, somewhat herbaceous flavor that goes well with a sweet, fruity liqueur and the acidic, citrus kick of lime. To make a Grapefruit Margarita, choose a mellow reposado, which is tequila aged in oak barrels for up to a year. This will nicely counterbalance the bracing, astringent acidity of the grapefruit juice. Tequila blanco, or silver tequila, will work in a pinch.
2. 2. Lime: Skip the Margarita mix. Freshly squeezed lime juice is the key to making the best Margarita. Keep extra limes on hand for garnish.
3. 3. Grapefruit juice: One-hundred percent grapefruit juice can usually be found in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store; try to avoid the syrupy version in the mixers aisle. Even better is a fresh grapefruit, which you can easily hand-juice and add to the drink.
4. 4. Orange liqueur: An orange-flavored triple-sec like Cointreau provides sweetness to balance the lime juice. If you don’t have Cointreau, try using Grand Marnier (an orange-flavored Cognac) or agave syrup.

Consider these possible substitutions and additions to a Grapefruit Margarita:

1. 1. Make your cocktail pink. Using Ruby Red grapefruit juice will give the drink a pleasing light-pink hue.
2. 2. Boost the grapefruit flavor. To enhance the citrus flavor, rim your cocktail glasses with grapefruit wedges instead of limes.
3. 3. Kick up the heat. Add a few slices of jalapeño for a dash of heat. This spicy pepper will complement the tequila and contrast with the bitterness of the grapefruit juice.
4. 4. Add some sugar. Add simple syrup, an even mixture of sugar and water, to your Grapefruit Margarita for extra sweetness. Alternatively, you can add agave nectar. This nectar has a fairly neutral flavor that pairs well with tequila-based cocktails.