Grapefruit Margarita

This grapefruit margarita is a citrusy spin on the classic! Tangy and refreshing, it’s—dare we say—almost tastier than the original.

Here’s a tasty citrus spin on the margarita that might even be more fun to drink than the original. Try this Grapefruit Margarita! The sweet citrusy grapefruit flavor is perfectly balanced with tequila and lime, and the juice adds a lovely delicate pink color. It’s reminiscent of the Paloma, and in fact: it has many of the same ingredients. But the grapefruit marg is uniquely its own! Here’s how to make this favorite variation.

Ingredients in a grapefruit margarita

The margarita is one of the best loved classic cocktails of all time. It was invented in Mexico in the 1930’s and has stood the test of time. It seems that everyone makes a margarita differently: but there’s an official definition from the International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails. A margarita is just 3 simple ingredients. For the grapefruit margarita, just add grapefruit juice! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Tequila
• Triple Sec or Cointreau
• Grapefruit juice
• Lime juice

Triple Sec vs Cointreau: which is best?

The defining ingredient in a margarita is the orange liqueur. There’s lots written about whether Triple Sec or Cointreau makes the best margarita: and we’ve got a variation with each: try our Cointreau margarita and Triple Sec margarita. We used to say only Cointreau for a margarita, but we’ve found a great brand of Triple Sec that works well. Here’s what to know about the grapefruit margarita:

• Triple Sec has a citrus-forward flavor that works well in the grapefruit margarita. Find a quality triple sec brand, not the cheapest on the block. We like Drillauds.
• Cointreau works too! It’s usually our favorite in a margarita, and it has a smoother flavor with warm spices and nuance. Read more at Cointreau vs Triple Sec.

Best tequila for a grapefruit margarita

Typically we recommend a tequila reposado for a margarita. Reposado means “rested,” meaning that it’s been aged between 2 to 12 months. But in a grapefruit margarita? Surprise! We actually recommend tequila blanco here. Why this type of tequila?

• Tequila blanco has a straightforward flavor that pairs better with the grapefruit. It’s agave forward, with notes of pepper and citrus with a spicy finish.
• Tequila reposado has notes of oak and vanilla: it works better in the Simple Margarita, Grand Marnier Margarita, Pineapple Margarita, Italian Margarita, and more.

Variation: spicy grapefruit margarita!

Want to make a spicy grapefruit margarita instead? Great idea. This variation uses fresh jalapeño peppers to add heat and a bright, almost tangy flavor. Here’s how to make a jalapeño grapefruit margarita:

• Thinly slice a jalapeño pepper. Take care to wash your hands immediately and keep your hands away from your eyes. Leave the seeds for the spiciest variation; remove them for a subtle heat.
• Add 3 to 4 slices to the cocktail shaker. Then shake and strain! If you want a super spicy drink, add a few more slices to the mix.

Make a grapefruit margarita pitcher (serves 8)

The grapefruit margarita recipe below makes a single drink. If you’re serving multiple people at once, we recommend making a pitcher version! This makes it easy to mix and make for a crowd. Make sure to use the exact amount of ice below to dilute the drink to the proper amount. Here’s what to add to a pitcher:

• 2 cups tequila
• ½ cup Triple Sec or Cointreau
• 1 ½ cups grapefruit juice
• ½ cup lime juice
• 3 handfuls ice

Add them together and stir. Then pour into glasses and serve! And that’s it: how to make a grapefruit margarita! Scroll down to the recipe and let us know what you think.

More grapefruit cocktails

Grapefruit juice is a popular mixer for cocktails, both modern and classic cocktails! Here are some of our favorite grapefruit drinks:

• Go classic with the Mexican Paloma
• Try 1920’s retro drinks, the Brown Derby or Hemingway Daiquiri
• Grab gin for the Greyhound or Salty Dog
• Mix up easy breezy Sea Breeze
• Add grapefruit to your beer with a Grapefruit Shandy

When to serve a grapefruit margarita

The grapefruit margarita is zingy and citrusy! It works as a:

• Happy hour drink
• Dinner party drink
• Cinco de Mayo drink
• Late night drinks drink
• Guys or girls night drink
• Cocktail hour drink

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