Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Spicy Grapefruit Margarita

 

Over here at The Oaks bed and breakfast, we love a good margarita, and often the spicier the better.  This month we are bringing to your bar, a Spicy Grapefruit Margarita that is paired with a jalapeno and lemon basil. 

 

               We kicked up the spice a bit by zesting the jalapeno to create more kick with this summer special, and the garnish with the lemon basil just adds a little kick of citrus to an already delicious drink.  Another key component to this drink is to use only fresh squeezed juice.  Juice that grapefruit and lime directly into your shaker cup, when mixing this delightful drink. 

 

               Of course, you can dial up your sweetness and spice by adding more honey or jalapeno or less.  Make this drink your own and enjoy it with friends.  You can even make it a mocktail by removing the tequila and orange liquor.  I would splash in some nonalcoholic  orange bitters to grab that flavor and an additional amount of grapefruit juice to help fill the glass. 

 

Spicey Grapefruit Margarita

Serving size 2 drinks 

½ cup fresh squeezed grapefruit juice

3 TBLS fresh squeezed lime juice

2 TBLS agave or honey

3 oz white tequila

2 oz orange liquor

Salt to rim the glass

Lemon basil for garnish

 

Before you mix your drink prepare your glass.  Rub a lime wedge or grapefruit wedge around the glass and then salt with your favorite option.  Take all your liquid ingredients and pour into a shaker cup that has been filled with ice.  Vigorously shake your drink to mix together.  Then pour it over your salted, ice filled glass.  Garnish with grapefruit, lemon basil, lime or jalapeno slices.

 

               Make this drink your own and mix it up with different bases to find the one you like the best.  Increase the sweetness as you desire or decrease to make your drink more tart.  Mix in additional jalapeno for extra spice or remove it to eliminate all spice.  Either way, this drink will be a summer favorite for sure.

 

               As always please drink responsibly by having a designated driver.  We hope you will let us know if you make this cocktail and tell us which you like it the best.  Cheers!

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Rosemary Paloma

 

    As we enter into the summer months a cold and refreshing drink on the patio or deck hits the spot after working in the garden, watching sport games or just because.  This months herb infused cocktail is a Rosemary Paloma.

  

    Grapefruit is a winter fruit but can be made into a refreshing drink at any time of the year.  Since our rosemary grows well all year round, why not take advantage of the delicious flavor it provides walking into the summer months.  

    This drink can also be made for a crowd ahead of time for those patio parties or summer bar-b-ques.  We chose to use a darker tequila for this drink to really enhance the rosemary flavor.  The more oaky flavor of the Anejo tequila pulls the rosemary notes from the homemade syrup.  For a lighter version you can use a Silver or reposado tequila.  

    Rosemary Paloma

1 - 1.5 ounces of Tequila

3 ounces of grapefruit juice

1 ounce of rosemary syrup

dash of lime juice

Ice

    Fill a shaker cup with ice.  Top with all the ingredients for the drink and give it a good shake.  Pour into an ice filled glass.  Garnish with a wedge of lime and rosemary sprig.

    This drink is easy to make for a crowd or just a few people.  Of course if you choose to make it a mocktail just eliminate the tequila.  You might even consider adding a splash of grapefruit soda, to add a few bubbles.  

    The rosemary syrup is the standard simple syrup of sugar and water, with rosemary added in from the start.  Let it cool and infuse the flavor longer into the syrup, for a stronger rosemary finish.  The simple syrup will keep in your fridge for up to two weeks. 

    As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.  We hope you will enjoy this drink and let us know how you liked it.  Cheers, from the Oaks bed and Breakfast.