Grapefruit Margarita Recipe
Our Grapefruit Margarita recipe is so refreshing on a warm day. After all, nothing says summer fun like sipping from cocktails with salt-rimmed glasses. The orange liqueur gives it a sweetness that pairs so well with the tequila and lime. My bet is you’ll be making this all year long!
Grapefruit is in peak season in the winter months and early spring, often being at its best quality around Christmas and continuing through April. However, grapefruits are often grown where the weather is warm at any time of year, so ruby red grapefruit and fresh grapefruit juice is usually available in grocery stores regardless of season. So don’t fret, you can sip this perfect grapefruit margarita all summer long!
It’s probably no surprise to you that we love drinks around here. We’ve shared lots of fantastic cocktails, including some really great margarita recipes. This recipe was inspired by this Refreshing Mango Margarita, and I think you’ll love this Frozen Mezcal Margarita, as well.
Why You’ll Love It
- Bright and Colorful: The bright pink grapefruit juice and fresh fruit slices make this drink both beautiful and delicious.
- Simple And Easy: This margarita has less than 10 simple ingredients, and is perfect for summer gatherings.
- Delicious Flavor: While the recipe may be simple, the flavor of this margarita is delightfully complex. The fresh citrus juice pairs wonderfully with the orange liquor, and the sweetness is balanced perfectly with every sip from the salted glass. The result is a fresh grapefruit margarita that is sweet, salty, and just a little tart.
What you’ll need
- Fresh squeezed lime juice
- Fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
- Agave nectar or honey, optional, for extra sweetness
- Silver tequila
- Orange liqueur
- Ice cubes, or your ice of choice
- Additional lime wedge or slices, plus a grapefruit wedge or grapefruit slices for garnish
- Margarita salt or kosher salt
How to Make this Grapefruit Margarita Recipe
Pour a small amount of salt on a small plate. Run a lime around a margarita or martini glass and dip in salt. Set aside.
Add the ice to a cocktail shaker and add grapefruit juice.
Pour in orange liqueur.
Add tequila.
Pour in plenty of fresh lime juice.
Shake long enough to combine and chill, but not too long as the drink will get watered down.
Pour the cocktail, strained, into the glass and garnish with lime slices and a grapefruit slice.
Hint: If you want to add agave syrup or honey for extra sweetness, you can do so before shaking your margarita to combine the ingredients. If you’re worried about the sweetener mixing in well, you can combine it with a small amount of water before adding for best results.
Tips & Variations
- While fresh juice is always ideal in a margarita, you can absolutely make this classic cocktail with store bought or from-concentrate lime and grapefruit juice. Store-bought grapefruit juice may contain added sugar, so be sure to check the ingredients before adding sweetener.
- If you’d prefer it over agave or honey, simple syrup makes a great sweetener in mixed drinks.
- Silver tequila has many names, but essentially refers to a clear, unaged tequila. You’ll find it labeled as silver, white, plato, or blanco tequila.
- Usually, this cocktail is best enjoyed with a margarita salt mix or kosher salt around the rim of the glass. But if you’d prefer, a sugar rim can also be delicious!
More Summer Delights
Looking for more cocktail recipes to enjoy? Refresh your senses with a Tropical Moscow Mule or a delicious Grapefruit Mimosa. And if you’re planning your next summer gathering, we think you’ll love this Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint!
Grapefruit Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice
- 2 oz. fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1 tsp agave or honey optional, for extra sweetness
- 1 ½ oz silver tequila
- 1/2 oz. orange liqueur
- Handful of ice
- Additional lime slices or wedges plus a wedge of grapefruit for garnish
- Margarita salt
Instructions
- Pour a small amount of salt on a small plate.
- Run a lime around a margarita or martini glass and dip in salt. Set aside.
- Add the ice to a cocktail shaker and add grapefruit juice.
- Pour in orange liqueur.
- Add tequila.
- Pour in fresh lime juice.
- Shake long enough to combine and chill, but not too long as drink will get watered down.
- Pour the cocktail, strained, into the glass.
- Garnish with lime slices and a grapefruit slice.