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Get ready for a bold explosion of flavor with this Spicy Grapefruit Margarita! With bright citrus, a touch of sweetness, and a fiery jalapeño kick, it’s a fresh twist on the classic you just can’t miss.
Delicious Details
- Cuisine Inspiration: Mexican
- Primary Cooking Method: No-cook
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free, Dairy-free
- Skill Level: Easy
Grapefruit Margaritas with a Bright, Citrusy Kick
Ok…so you made the Tilapia Fish Tacos and the Easy Guacamole, and you’ve got the chips and Mango Avocado Salsa ready to go. What’s missing here? You guessed it! The perfect cocktail. Words aren’t enough to describe how 1000% fabulous these spicy grapefruit margaritas are. Loaded with big, bright citrus flavor from fresh limes and ruby red grapefruit and just the right amount of heat from muddled jalapeño, they strike the perfect balance between tangy, sweet, and spicy.
Looking for the perfect every-occasion cocktail? This is it! Whether you’re mixing one up for yourself (because why not?) or preparing a batch for your next gathering, these margaritas are incredibly easy to make. A refreshing twist on the classic, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Here are just a few of the reasons I am convinced you’re going to fall in love with this recipe:
- Balanced flavors. Between the sweet tang of grapefruit, the zesty kick of lime, the fiery heat of jalapeño, and the gentle sweetness of simple syrup and triple sec, these margaritas are perfectly balanced and totally crave-worthy.
- Batch-friendly. Getting the gang together? These margs are super easy to scale up in a pitcher to be poured over ice and muddled jalapeño when your guests arrive. Check out the section below titled “Can I Make This a Pitcher Margarita?” to see how it’s done.
- All year-round. Grapefruits are technically in season in the winter and into early spring, but this refreshing cocktail is just as perfect for a summer BBQ as it is for a cold-weather gathering. No matter the temperature, it’s sure to brighten everyone’s spirits.
- Gluten free cocktail. Since tequila is made from agave, not distilled from grains, it’s generally considered safe for those avoiding gluten. Learn more in my article Is Tequila Gluten Free?
What You’ll Need
Time to head to the store! Here’s a shopping list for you. Have a look at the recipe card below for precise measurements.
- Jalapeño – If you’re not a spice person, you can leave these out, but I promise they’re not too spicy, especially if you remove the seeds.
- Tequila – Tequila Blanco (silver) is ideal for citrus-based cocktails, but a reposado can add depth if preferred. You could also sub out some of the tequila for mezcal. I find a 1:1 ratio gives the perfect smoky twist.
- Citrus – These margaritas call for grapefruit juice and lime juice. I like pink or ruby-red grapefruit. They’re a little sweeter and have the best color. Squeeze the juice from the fruit for the best flavor. Bottled versions can taste dull or overly acidic.
- Triple sec – Cointreau or Grand Marnier will also work. If you don’t have any of the above, add a splash of orange juice and a little extra simple syrup.
- Simple syrup – Scale the simple syrup up or down according to your taste preferences.
- Garnish (optional) – Coarse salt or chili-lime salt (e.g., Tajin) for salting the rim. A slice of grapefruit or a jalapeño wheel would be fun, too.
How to Make a Grapefruit Margarita
Here’s a quick overview of how to make this grapefruit margarita. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card below for more thorough instructions.
- Salt the rim (optional). Rub a grapefruit wedge around the edge of your glass and dip it in coarse salt or Tajin.
- Muddle. Add jalapeño slices to a cocktail shaker and gently muddle.
- Build the cocktail. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, triple sec, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Shake. Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 15 seconds.
- Strain. Add ice to your glass and strain the cocktail over it. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit or a jalapeño wheel.
Tips and Variation Ideas
Want to bartend like a pro? Keep the following tips in mind as you measure, muddle, shake, and pour:
- Fresh fruit juice. It really does pay to take the extra moment to squeeze the juice from the lime and the grapefruit. The flavor of fresh juice is so much brighter than the bottled stuff.
- Muddle gently. Over-muddling the jalapeño can make this drink too spicy and/or bitter. Muddle gently and just enough for the jalapeño to release its oils.
- Adjust the spice levels. For a spicier cocktail, use extra jalapeño slices. Not enough? Let them sit in the tequila for a few minutes before shaking. For less heat, remove the seeds from the peppers or use just one slice.
- Adjust the sweetness. If you prefer a tart cocktail, reduce the simple syrup to ¾ oz. Want it sweeter? Add a little extra, especially if your citrus is on the bitter side.
- Citrus swap. If grapefruit isn’t your thing, you can use orange, pomelo, or clementine juice. Don’t be afraid to mix and match!
Can I Make This a Pitcher Margarita?
Throwing a party? This grapefruit margarita is super easy to scale up for a crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients to match your party size and mix them in a pitcher (leave the jalapeños out for now). When you’re ready to serve, muddle fresh jalapeño in each salt (or Tajin) rimmed glass, add ice, and pour the batched cocktail over it all.
More Summer Drinks to Try
Looking for more ways to cool off this summer? Have a look at these delightfully refreshing sips:
Spicy Grapefruit Margarita
Ingredients
- 3 slices fresh jalapeño
- 2 ounces blanco tequila
- 1 ounce grapefruit juice
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1 ounce triple sec
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- Optional: coarse salt or chili-lime salt (e.g., Tajin) for salting the rim
Instructions
- (Optional) For a salted rim, run a grapefruit wedge around the rim of a glass and dip it in Optional: coarse salt or chili-lime salt for an extra kick.
- Add 3 slices fresh jalapeño to a cocktail shaker and muddle gently to release their flavor.
- Add 2 ounces blanco tequila, 1 ounce grapefruit juice, 1 ounce lime juice, 1 ounce triple sec, and 1 ounce simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit or a jalapeño wheel, if desired.
Did you make this?
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Great recipe! I will definitely try to cook such Margarita.
It remains only to wait for my parents to take our children to themselves on the weekend. And my husband and I will be able to enjoy Margarita and talk about all sorts of topics 🙂
Perfect for this summer! thanks a lot for the recipe.
Thank you, Sara!
Looks like I may get a chance to sample it tonight. Yum!