If you like spicy cocktails, there's one way to make a classic Margarita even better. With this Spicy Grapefruit Margarita, we're not only bringing some spice into the drink but also balancing it with some fresh grapefruit juice.
That, combined with a twist on the classic salt rim, this spicy Margarita alternative is an excellent cocktail to enjoy on a hot summer day.
The fresh and tangy lime juice mixed with 100% agave Tequila and Cointreau of the traditional recipe always is a crowd-pleaser. And the Spicy Grapefruit Margarita is one more winner-cocktail on that list.
Learn how to make this spicy drink based on jalapeño-infused Tequila.
Ingredients of a Spicy Grapefruit Margarita
The jalapeño infused Tequila is the star of the cocktail. But to let it shine, we also need some fresh juices. Lime juice is essential for any Margarita, and together with fresh grapefruit juice, it adds some superb citrus notes to the drink.
Agave nectar gives the necessary sweetness to balance this cocktail. In contrast to regular simple syrup, agave nectar also enhances the agave notes from the Tequila. Especially when infusing the Tequila with jalapeño, a little bit of extra agave flavor doesn't hurt.
The final touch to the cocktail is two or three finely sliced fresh jalapenos, added just before serving.
Spicy salt rim
The salt rim on a classic Margarita is a beautiful thing. And salt is also used in other Mexican cocktail recipes, for instance, in the traditional Cantarito.
However, for the Spicy Grapefruit Margarita, we don't use the standard salt rim but will spice it up with a homemade mix.
And for this rim mix, we need chili powder, coconut sugar, and salt. Sea salt or -even better- fleur de sel is my preferred salt to use when creating salt rims for Margaritas. The taste is much more restrained and has less bite than ordinary iodized salt.
The chili powder and coconut sugar add just the right amount of sweetness and spice to the typically Margarita-saltiness. You can also use regular granulated sugar if you don't have coconut sugar handy.
Use equal measures of the three rim ingredients and mix them before preparing your cocktails.
Jalapeño infused Tequila
Infusing spirits is a great way to bring additional flavors and spice to cocktails like the Spicy Grapefruit Margarita. In the case of this jalapeño infused Tequila, we also add some heat into the base spirit. It's easier to do than one might think. All you need is a little patience.
But let's begin with the Tequila. Make sure to use a quality, 100%-agave Tequila as a base. A Tequila Blanco or Reposado works fine, no need to get an añejo.
Other things we need are jalapeño peppers, an airtight lid, and some time. The result is a spicy hot Tequila that makes the perfect base for our Spicy Grapefruit Margaritas. You can read more about it in our recipe for Jalapeño infused Tequila.
Other amazing Margarita twists
The famous Tommy's Margarita is another brilliant twist. It omits the triple sec/Cointreau part and only consists of lime juice, agave nectar, and Tequila.
Other variations are more sweet and fruity, like the Mango Margarita on the rocks or the frozen version. Then there's another tropical twist, the Coconut Margarita.
Last but not least, if you like to keep it classic but still want to try something new, the Mezcal Margarita is a terrific option.
Equipment
- 1 Jigger
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Jalapeño infused Tequila
- 2 oz Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
- 0.5 oz Agave nectar
- 2-3 slices Jalapeño
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Coconut sugar (alternatively regular granulated sugar)
- 1 tsp Fleur de sel (alternatively sea or kosher salt)
- 1 wedge Lime
Instructions
- Prepare the salt rim by mixing chili powder, sugar, and salt on a small plate.1 tsp Chili powder, 1 tsp Fleur de sel, 1 tsp Coconut sugar
- Use the lime wedge to rim the glass and apply the spicy salt rim.
- Add Tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and agave nectar to your cocktail shaker with plenty of ice.1.5 oz Jalapeño infused Tequila, 2 oz Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz Agave nectar, 1 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
- Shake until well-chilled and strain into prepared glasses over ice.
- Garnish with sliced jalapeño and an optional slice of grapefruit or lime.2-3 slices Jalapeño, 1 wedge Lime