This spicy grapefruit margarita is fresh, light and pleasantly spicy — a healthy, refreshing twist on the classic cocktail.
Raise your hand if you’re excited for Cinco de Mayo!
*Everyone raises hands.*
I love Mexican food and enjoy Cinco de Mayo as the perfect excuse for more tacos, guacamole and tostadas. Today I wanted something a little more celebratory: a spicy grapefruit margarita.
I fell in love with margaritas on a recent trip to Tulum — everything from passionfruit and mandarin to jalapeño-and-cilantro variations. This grapefruit version is one of my favorites, and I’m excited to share it with you.
A grapefruit margarita recipe
Traditional margaritas use tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur and a touch of sweetener. In this recipe we replace the lime with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for a bright, slightly bitter, refreshing flavor. It’s similar to a Paloma but without carbonation and with orange liqueur added.
This cocktail is perfect for happy hour, backyard barbecues or weekend brunches.
How to make a spicy grapefruit margarita
Using a cocktail shaker helps combine the ingredients and chill the drink quickly. If you don’t have a shaker, mix everything in a pitcher and stir well.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
- Jalapeño (sliced into rings)
- Tequila (blanco)
- Orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
- Agave nectar
Combine the ingredients with ice in a shaker, shake until chilled, then strain or pour into glasses filled with fresh ice.
A few notes on the recipe
Use freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor — it makes a significant difference. If you’re making a large batch and can’t squeeze the juice yourself, buy high-quality freshly squeezed grapefruit juice from the store.
Choose good quality tequila and orange liqueur; they determine the cocktail’s taste. Cointreau and Patron are my preferred choices, but use what you enjoy.
If you prefer no heat, simply omit the jalapeño. These margaritas are best served immediately after mixing.
More drink recipes to try
- Pomegranate kombucha mimosa
- Watermelon mojito frose
- Cold brew peach iced tea
Spicy Grapefruit Margarita
- Author: Jess
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 2 margaritas
- Category: Drink
- Method: mix
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A refreshing cocktail made with fresh citrus and a hint of heat for balance.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tbsp agave nectar
- 3 oz white tequila (blanco)
- 2 oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
- 1 jalapeño, sliced into rings
- 2–3 cups ice
- Salt to rim the glass (optional)
Instructions
- Rim the glass: Rub a lime wedge around the rim and dip into salt, if desired.
- Mix the cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave nectar, tequila, orange liqueur, sliced jalapeño and half the ice. Shake until well chilled.
- Serve: Fill glasses with the remaining ice and strain or pour the margarita into the glasses. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or jalapeño slice.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with other juices — orange, pineapple or passionfruit all make excellent variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0.5g
If you try this Spicy Grapefruit Margarita or another recipe from the blog, please leave a comment or rating below. Follow along on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for more recipes and inspiration!