Saturday cocktail

I saw this gorgeous pink cocktail on Pinterest and knew it was in my future to make! The original recipe actually comes from the Barefoot Contessa’s How Easy Is That cookbook.

Since I have a ruby red grapefruit tree, and the grapefruit is huge this year, I used half fresh juice and half purchased Ocean Spray Ruby Red juice. The Ocean Spray was needed to get the richer pink color. Plus I added fresh zest, which really showed off the fresh grapefruit.  You could always substitute vodka for tequila if you are one of the hundreds of thousands who swore off tequila after your college days. 🙂   I didn’t have Blanco tequila, instead, I used the Añejo I had on hand – Blanco will keep the pink color pinker though.

I experimented a little bit more and muddled in 1/4 cup of fresh basil. And that is the recipe I’ll be making from now on – a real winner – just strain out the basil before blending with the ice to ensure the lovely pink color.

Pink Grapefruit Margaritas

1 tablespoon freshly grated grapefruit zest
1/2 cup fresh ruby red grapefruit juice
1/2 cup purchased ruby red grapefruit juice
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1 cup triple sec orange liqueur
1 cup Blanco tequila
3 cups ice cubes
1 lime cut in wedges
Kosher salt

Place the grapefruit zest in a blender.  Measure the grapefruit juices and the lime juice in a 4-cup liquid measuring cup. Add the basil leaves, muddle and then strain into the blender with the zest. Add the triple sec, tequila, and ice and blend until smooth.

Wet the rims of four stemless wine glasses with the wedge of lime, then dip each into Kosher salt. Fill the glasses and garnish each with a lime wedge.  Enjoy!

Serves 4