5.05.2011

grapefruit habanero margaritas

 

Happy Cinco de Mayo!  I'm a total sucker for holidays (especially ones where heavy drinking is the main festivity), and this one is certainly no exception; how could I not celebrate the heritage of a country whose food, culture, and people are so amazing?  
In honor of this day, I put a little twist on one of Mexico's most delicious and beloved beverages, the margarita, by infusing the tequila with a spicy habanero pepper and mixing it with light, fresh grapefruit juice and agave nectar (which is also used to make tequila, and is much healthier than sugary pre-made mixes).  The grapefruit juice's sweet-but-tangy flavor mixed with the salt and the little bit of heat from tequila is a sure crowd pleaser.  I hope you all have a wonderful day partying it up Mexicana style.. Salud!!

Habanero Infused Tequila
Take half a habanero pepper (remove the seeds if you want a more mild flavor), and push it into a full bottle of tequila.  Infuse for 2 - 4 hours depending on how spicy you want it (I didn't remove the seeds and let it infuse for 2 hours, and my tequila certainly packed some heat!).  
Note: the habanero is one of the spiciest peppers around, so remember to wash your hands throughly after you handle it!

Habanero Grapefruit Margarita
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 14 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice - about 3 medium grapefruits (or you can just buy it from your local store; Indian River is the best if you can find it!)
- 6 ounces habanero infused tequila
- 2 tablespoons agave nectar (I put a little extra since grapefruit is a little tart for me)
- 1 lime wedge
- Margarita salt (found by the pre-made mixes)

Run the lime wedge around the rims of your glasses, then dip and twist them in margarita salt.  Fill the glasses with ice.  Pour in 1 shot of tequila, followed by the agave, and then the grapefruit juice.  Stir well to evenly distribute the agave.  Enjoy!
p.s. You can also make these in a blender if you prefer frozen margaritas - I think I'll try that next time!

xx
A
Follow lovely little vices.

4 comments:

New York Don't Leave Me said...

OMG these drinks look amazing! Thanks for sharing! xo

www.nydontleaveme.com

purse 'n boots said...

oh. my. god. this drink is gonna be the death of me, i know it!! love me a spiicccyyy drink!!! yummmmmmmm!! happy cinco de mayo!!

xx
ashley <3

pursenboots.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Looks DELICIOUS! I also love the pictures, you're a great photographer! Need to try this recipe this weekend! xo

Down This Road said...

um wow i luurve jose cuervo and this looks super tasty!!! want it now! wish i was in amercia to celebrate cinco de mayo would be hella fun ;)

xx
http://www.iletaitunefois.com.au/