Melissa B’s Grapefruit Margarita
I would say that a margarita is pretty much everyone’s go-to for a first cocktail because it’s so familiar. I know mine was a Lemon Drop Martini. Because I had the ingredients and always wanted to try a martini but was scared. After my fantastic hubby bought me a shaker and a jigger, I was off to the races making my first margarita. Soon after that I made a Melissa B’s Grapefruit Margarita. Both are pretty inexpensive, and you can even find them in thrift shops. Making a margarita is not as difficult as you may think.
Start your home bar out inexpensively. You don’t have to use a cocktail shaker, but it will make your cocktail colder faster and not watered down as quickly. If you don’t have a jigger, you can use measuring spoons. For this recipe, 1 ounce is 2 tablespoons, and 1/2 ounce is 1 tablespoon. There are no rules to make a margarita. You can use a stemmed glass or your favorite mug. I’m not fancy!
I’m not sure exactly who created the margarita. There are as many stories as there are combinations of margaritas. The story of this margarita I know. I am a home bartender. Find out how I got started home bartending by reading my blog post. I posted on Facebook asking what my next cocktail should be and my friend Melissa suggested something using grapefruit. Well…..I like a challenge, so I dove right in. Hence the Melissa B’s Grapefruit Margarita!
In my research, I found that the original recipe for the margarita. It evolved from a drink called the Daisy which was made from tequila, citrus juice, and grenadine and was served over shaved ice. Today’s traditional recipe is tequila, triple sec, agave, and lime juice with a salt rim there are many variations but this one is my favorite. If I’m feeling nice, I will make a frozen version for my daughter Hannah. My Mother-in-law would say it can only be served in a stemmed glass on the rocks with salt. Salt is a must.
Tequila and Triple Sec are essentials for a home bar. It might be tempting to use the imitation lime juice but do yourself a favor and always make sure you have fresh limes on hand. You will thank me. I will confess that the first citrus press I bought was from the dollar store and I still use it to this day. There are several sizes of citrus presses and I highly recommend getting one for limes and a larger one for lemons.
My best advice when mixing a cocktail is don’t be scared. Just go with the flow. I have made several cocktails that my palate didn’t like since I started Shoebox Bartending. If you don’t enjoy what you made just pitch it. Most of all have fun! As always i love feedback so let me know if you make this Melissa B’s Grapefruit Margarita.
Melissa B’s Grapefruit Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 1/2 ounce grapefruit juice
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce Triple Sec
- salt for rim
- ice
- grapefruit wedge-garnish
Instructions
- Run the grapefruit wedge around the rim of your favorite glass (you can use the lime if you prefer). Dip the rim into a plate of salt and set aside.
- Add the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and triple sec to a shaker filled with ice. Shake until super cold about 30 seconds.
- Strain margarita into your favorite glass with fresh ice.
- Garnish and serve!