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spicy grapefruit margarita with serrano peppers

Spicy Grapefruit Margarita

Sara
A spicy grapefruit margarita made with fresh citrus juice, serrano pepper, simple syrup, and tequila blanco.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 2 margaritas
Calories 246 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

To Make the Rim:

  • 1 tbsp. Kosher Salt
  • 1 tsp. Ancho Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp. Granulated Sugar

for margarita ::

  • 2-4 slices Serrano Pepper about 1/4" thick
  • 1.5 ounces Simple Syrup
  • 4 ounces Tequila Blanco or Reposado
  • 4 ounces Fresh Grapefruit Juice strained
  • 2 ounces Fresh Lime Juice strained
  • 1 ounce Fresh Orange Juice strained
  • pinch Kosher Salt

Instructions
 

Rime the Glasses:

  • Combine the 1 tbsp. Kosher Salt, 1 tsp. Ancho Chili Powder, and 1 tsp. Granulated Sugar together in a shallow dish. Mix to blend thoroughly.
  • Run a small slice of lime over the rim of two short cocktail glasses. Dip the rims into the salt/ancho chili/sugar mix to coat them entirely. Fill the glasses halfway with ice, and set aside.

Build the Margaritas:

  • Muddle the 2-4 slices Serrano Pepper and 1.5 ounces Simple Syrup together in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
  • Add the 4 ounces Tequila Blanco, 4 ounces Fresh Grapefruit Juice, 2 ounces Fresh Lime Juice, 1 ounce Fresh Orange Juice and a little pinch Kosher Salt to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice, and secure the lid. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds, then strain through a fine mesh sieve into the rimmed glasses.
  • Garnish with a small grapefruit or lime wedge, and serve immediately.

Notes

The photos have two serrano slices as garnish ... this is an option, but the peppers will directly touch your lips as you drink, and they can be very spicy.  I recommend a small slice of lime or grapefruit for garnish instead!
Substitute the serrano pepper with jalapeño pepper for a milder heat.
FOR SIMPLE SYRUP: (2 different versions, same results:)
  1.  Combine 1/2 cup each of HOT water and sugar into a glass jar, seal with a lid, and shake to combine.
  2. Combine 1/2 cup each of water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, and stir until the sugar is dissolved into the water.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktailCalories: 246kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 1gFat: 0.5gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 2919mgPotassium: 219mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 787IUVitamin C: 31mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 2mg
Keyword grapefruit margarita, grapefruit serrano margarita, serrano grapefruit margarita, spicy grapefruit margarita, spicy margarita
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