Here, earthy, robust tequila is combined with gorgeous ruby grapefruit juice, tangy lime, and a spiced syrup made with ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla, Sunkist grapefruit peels, and sliced jalapeño pepper.
Spicy Grapefruit Margarita *Mocktail friendly*
By Christine Fiorentino | @christinefiorentino_
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 15 mins
Serves: 2
Ingredients
Grapefruit Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup turbinado sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 (2 x 4-inch) Sunkist® grapefruit peels
- 1 ½ inch thick jalapeño slice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (add more if desired based on heat preference)
Cocktail
- 4 ounces tequila- *For mocktail option, replace tequila with tonic
- 2 Sunkist® grapefruit; juiced
- 1 lime; juiced
- 4 tablespoons Spicy Grapefruit Simple Syrup
- 1 jalapeño, ends discarded and thinly sliced into rounds
- 2 (½ inch thick) Sunkist® grapefruit rounds
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon turbinado sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (add more if desired based on heat preference)
- 1 Sunkist® grapefruit wedge
Directions
Grapefruit Simple Syrup
- Add turbinado sugar, water, vanilla extract, grapefruit peels, cinnamon stick, and cayenne pepper to a small skillet. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low and simmer until the sugar has completely dissolved, about 5 minutes, stirring periodically.
- Once dissolved, remove from heat and allow the syrup to sit for 15 minutes. Remove grapefruit peels and transfer the syrup to a Mason jar or airtight container, leaving the cinnamon stick in the jar. You can make this ahead of time. Chill until ready to use.
Cocktail
- Add tequila, Sunkist® grapefruit juice, lime juice, and Spicy Grapefruit Simple Syrup to a cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice until ¾ full.
- Combine kosher salt, turbinado sugar, and cayenne pepper in a small shallow dish. Rub grapefruit wedge around top edge of each glass. Roll each glass in salt mixture to coat rims.
- Fill each glass ⅔ with crushed ice (regular ice cubes are fine, too). Tuck a grapefruit slice down the side of each glass. Divide jalapeño slices evenly between each glass. Fill each glass with chilled margarita. Serve immediately.
- Looking for a mocktail option? No problem! Replace tequila with tonic, stir instead of shaking, and everyone is ready for a toast! Cheers to cocktails, mocktails, and refreshing summer recipes using sweet, tart, and oh so juicy Sunkist® grapefruits.
