I’ve got the citrus itch.
The only way to scratch it is with grapefruit and tequila — maybe a little lime and salt, too.
It sounds like a margarita, but it’s not. This one has bubbles: a bright, seltzery fizz and a homemade citrus syrup that I’ve been resisting drinking by the spoonful all week.
Grapefruit, lime, bubbles and tequila come together in a pretty pink drink that brightens short winter days. It’s light, lively and refreshing.
Start with salty sugar. Yes — sugar and salt mixed together make a sensational rim. I also stir in a little chipotle chili powder for a gentle smoky heat. It’s unexpected and fantastic; you might want some lip balm nearby.
I could eat a grapefruit with a spoon and be perfectly happy. I’ve always loved bright, briny, tangy flavors — perhaps it’s just the palate I was born with.
This cocktail is ridiculously fresh. It’s light and crisp — the kind of drink you say “that’s fresh” about, and then immediately want another. Because it’s so bright and not too heavy, it’s easy to fit into a January resolution or a weekday happy hour without too much guilt.
Quick confession: while I always believed the weekend started on Thursday, I was more of a cozy, snack-and-stream kind of person. That’s fine — the best evenings are the low-key ones.
And yes, grapefruit is good for you — so let’s pretend this is our evening “juice.” I’ll happily justify that around 5 PM.
Palomas with Salty Chili Sugar
1 serving, is easily multiplied
15 mins
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Ingredients
- 2 ounces grapefruit juice
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1 ounce grapefruit lime syrup
- 2 to 3 ounces club soda (or a lime-flavored seltzer)
- Grapefruit slices or lime wedges for garnish
- Crushed ice
Grapefruit Lime Syrup
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
Salty Chili Sugar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
Instructions
- Rim your glass with a lime or grapefruit wedge and dip it into the salty chili sugar to coat. Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice. Add grapefruit juice, tequila, lime juice and grapefruit lime syrup, then stir well. Top with club soda and garnish with a grapefruit slice or lime wedge. Serve.
Grapefruit Lime Syrup
- Combine grapefruit juice, lime juice, water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and bring to a brief simmer, then remove from heat and cool to room temperature. The mixture will thicken slightly; store in the refrigerator for a few days.
Salty Chili Sugar
- Mix sugar, salt and chipotle powder on a plate and stir to combine. Use to rim glasses.
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(So fresh — I can’t help it!)