I mixed up a Pink Grapefruit Cocktail with bubbles and zero pretense that made my tequila-hating mom sneak a second glass and admit she was wrong.

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I’m obsessed with this blushing grapefruit ginger margarita because it hits sour, spicy, and fizzy all at once. My mom hates tequila so I made peace with a reposado tequila and it feels rebellious in the best way.

Bright ruby grapefruit juice bites, lime sharpness wakes me up, ginger adds a cheeky heat, and bubbles from sparkling wine make it silly and celebratory. It’s pink and tart and messy in the glass.

Perfect while gossiping on a crowded porch or pretending I’m sophisticated. It’s a Grapefruit Margarita I actually choose over boring old classics.

No regrets. Bring one to friends.

Ingredients

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Reposado tequila: warm, woody backbone that’s smooth; blanco works if you want it brighter.
Ruby grapefruit juice: tart, slightly bitter pink punch that keeps it lively and fun.
Lime juice: bright, zippy acid that wakes up the whole drink, no mess here.
Orange liqueur: sweet citrus roundness that ties grapefruit and tequila together nicely.
Ginger syrup: spicy-sweet kick that warms the throat and adds a little zing.
Agave nectar: mellow sweetener that’s easy on the palate, use less if syrup’s sweet.
Sparkling wine or club soda: fizzy finish, lightens the drink and makes it party-ready.
Coarse salt or sugar rim: crunchy contrast, makes each sip pop a little more.
Grapefruit wedge or twist: pretty garnish, adds aroma and lets you squeeze more citrus.

Ingredient Quantities

2 oz reposado tequila (or blanco if you prefer it brighter)

1 oz fresh ruby or pink grapefruit juice, strained

1/2 oz fresh lime juice

1/2 oz orange liqueur like Cointreau or triple sec

1/2 oz ginger syrup, or 1/2 oz ginger liqueur if you want less fuss

1/4 to 1/2 oz agave nectar, to taste (skip if your ginger syrup is very sweet)

2 oz sparkling wine or club soda, to top and add bubbles

Coarse salt or sugar for rimming the glass, optional

Grapefruit wedge or twist for garnish

How to Make this

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1. If you want a rim, rub a grapefruit wedge around the glass edge, dip into coarse salt or sugar and set aside to dry a minute.

2. Strain 1 oz fresh ruby or pink grapefruit juice into a shaker so no pulp gets in the drink.

3. Add to the shaker 2 oz reposado tequila (or use blanco if you want it brighter), 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, 1/2 oz orange liqueur, 1/2 oz ginger syrup or ginger liqueur, and 1/4 to 1/2 oz agave nectar depending on how sweet your ginger syrup already is.

4. Fill the shaker with ice, cap it, and shake hard for about 10 to 15 seconds until it’s nicely chilled.

5. Double strain the mix into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice to keep it clean and smooth.

6. Top with 2 oz sparkling wine for bubbles, or club soda if you prefer less alcohol, pouring slowly so it fizzes up gently.

7. Give it one quick, gentle stir to combine the bubbles without flattening them.

8. Taste and adjust: add a little more agave if you want it sweeter, or a small squeeze of lime if it needs more zip.

9. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or a twist, drop it on the rim or float it on top. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Equipment Needed

1. Cocktail shaker with a built in strainer or a separate fine strainer for double-straining
2. Jigger or measuring spoons (for accurate ounces)
3. Citrus squeezer or hand juicer for grapefruit and lime
4. Fine mesh strainer (to catch pulp when pouring juice)
5. Hawthorne or mixing spoon for the final gentle stir
6. Rocks or coupe glass (and a small plate for rimming with salt or sugar)
7. Small bowl or ramekin (for the coarse salt or sugar rim)
8. Ice scoop or tongs and a container of fresh ice

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can mix everything up to the point before adding bubbles and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add sparkling wine or soda and ice just before serving.

What can I use instead of ginger syrup? Use ginger liqueur for convenience, but reduce or skip the agave since liqueurs are sweet. Fresh grated ginger muddled with a bit of simple syrup also works in a pinch.

How do I get the grapefruit juice less bitter? Use ruby or pink grapefruit, not white. Strain out the pith and seeds, and taste the juice. If it’s still bitter, a small splash of agave fixes it quick.

Can I make a nonalcoholic version? Yes. Replace tequila and orange liqueur with a mild white grape juice or nonalcoholic tequila alternative, use ginger syrup and lots of soda or sparkling water, and add a little extra lime to keep it zippy.

Why is my cocktail watery after adding soda? If you add a lot of ice then top with soda, it dilutes faster. Use smaller ice cubes or top with chilled soda/sparkling wine and serve immediately.

How should I rim the glass for best flavor? Rub the rim with grapefruit, not lime, for a matching citrus aroma. For a little heat, mix coarse salt with a pinch of chili powder, or for sweeter drinks use superfine sugar.

Blushing Grapefruit Ginger Margarita Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Reposado tequila: swap for blanco if you want it brighter, or use mezcal for smoky depth, or vodka if you want a neutral backbone.
Fresh ruby/pink grapefruit juice: try blood orange juice for similar color and sweeter notes, or mix white grapefruit with a splash of grenadine if you cant find pink juice.
Ginger syrup: use chilled ginger beer for spice and fizz, or grate fresh ginger and steep it in simple syrup for a fresher bite, or use ginger liqueur if you want less prep.
Sparkling wine: top with club soda or tonic for a lighter fizzy finish, or use extra ginger beer for more ginger punch and sweetness.

Pro Tips

1) Chill everything first. Put the tequila bottle and glasses in the fridge for a bit and use cold sparkling wine. If the base is already cold you need less ice so the drink won’t get watered down fast.

2) Taste your ginger syrup before you add agave. Some syrups are super sweet, some are spicy. Start with the smaller agave amount, then add more by drops. Too much sweet hides the grapefruit, and thats a crime.

3) Double strain if you want a smooth looking cocktail. Use a fine mesh strainer over the shaker so no pulp or ice shards get in. If you dont have one, squeeze the grapefruit with a spoon through a small sieve or even cheesecloth.

4) Build bubbles gently. Pour the sparkling wine or club soda slowly over the back of a spoon or down the inside of the glass so it doesnt fizz like crazy. Give one soft stir with a bar spoon, not a lot, or you’ll kill the carbonation.

Blushing Grapefruit Ginger Margarita Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

I mixed up a Pink Grapefruit Cocktail with bubbles and zero pretense that made my tequila-hating mom sneak a second glass and admit she was wrong.

Servings

servings

Calories

294

kcal

Equipment: 1. Cocktail shaker with a built in strainer or a separate fine strainer for double-straining
2. Jigger or measuring spoons (for accurate ounces)
3. Citrus squeezer or hand juicer for grapefruit and lime
4. Fine mesh strainer (to catch pulp when pouring juice)
5. Hawthorne or mixing spoon for the final gentle stir
6. Rocks or coupe glass (and a small plate for rimming with salt or sugar)
7. Small bowl or ramekin (for the coarse salt or sugar rim)
8. Ice scoop or tongs and a container of fresh ice

Ingredients

2 oz reposado tequila (or blanco if you prefer it brighter)
1 oz fresh ruby or pink grapefruit juice, strained
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz orange liqueur like Cointreau or triple sec
1/2 oz ginger syrup, or 1/2 oz ginger liqueur if you want less fuss
1/4 to 1/2 oz agave nectar, to taste (skip if your ginger syrup is very sweet)
2 oz sparkling wine or club soda, to top and add bubbles
Coarse salt or sugar for rimming the glass, optional
Grapefruit wedge or twist for garnish

Directions

If you want a rim, rub a grapefruit wedge around the glass edge, dip into coarse salt or sugar and set aside to dry a minute.
Strain 1 oz fresh ruby or pink grapefruit juice into a shaker so no pulp gets in the drink.
Add to the shaker 2 oz reposado tequila (or use blanco if you want it brighter), 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, 1/2 oz orange liqueur, 1/2 oz ginger syrup or ginger liqueur, and 1/4 to 1/2 oz agave nectar depending on how sweet your ginger syrup already is.
Fill the shaker with ice, cap it, and shake hard for about 10 to 15 seconds until it's nicely chilled.
Double strain the mix into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice to keep it clean and smooth.
Top with 2 oz sparkling wine for bubbles, or club soda if you prefer less alcohol, pouring slowly so it fizzes up gently.
Give it one quick, gentle stir to combine the bubbles without flattening them.
Taste and adjust: add a little more agave if you want it sweeter, or a small squeeze of lime if it needs more zip.
Garnish with a grapefruit wedge or a twist, drop it on the rim or float it on top. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.