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Infusing your own liquor is easy and fun. This grapefruit infused tequila is delicious in place of traditional silver tequila in a classic margarita, Paloma, or ranch water cocktail.
Flavored liquors abound the stores, but you never know quite what you’re going to get. Added sugar? Artificial flavors and colors? All are very likely to be included. Infusing your own liquor is a great way to control both the flavor and sugar content while enjoying the natural colors imparted by the fruit.
Grapefruit peel needs some time to infuse with the tequila since we’re using the oils in the peel, not the juice from the fruit, to impart flavor. The tequila will also take on a slight color as the grapefruit lets off some of its natural color, so don’t be alarmed when your infusion is no longer perfectly clear.
What You Need to Make Infused Tequila
- Grapefruit - A fresh grapefruit is needed here. We're using the peel, not the juice.
- Silver tequila - Choose your favorite silver tequila for this recipe. Feel free to choose one at a lower price point since we're infusing it with citrus.
- A pint mason jar and lid - You can make this a fancier choice, but I find a standard glass jar with a tight fitting lid is the best way to go. If you're going to gift your infused tequila, you can transfer it to a prettier jar/bottle later.
How to Make Grapefruit Infused Tequila
Thoroughly wash your grapefruit.
Using a vegetable peeler, remove 2 - 4 inch pieces of rind from the grapefruit. Try not to get the white pith underneath the rind. Set aside.
Place grapefruit peels in a pint mason jar.
Add tequila and place the lid on the jar.
Set the jar in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
Let sit for 24 hours.
Note: Be sure to pay attention to timing here. Leave it for multiple days and you will start getting a bitter taste in the infusion.
Remove the grapefruit peels from the tequila. You can leave the tequila in the mason jar or decant it into a prettier container.
Store tequila at room temperature for up to 1 month, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Tips for Infused Tequila
Glass is the only way to go for liquor infusions. Plastic of any kind will absorb - and give off - odors, especially if anything was stored in it previously. Glass containers will ensure that nothing accidentally adds too, or takes away from, the infusion.
Don't put it together, toss it into the pantry and forget about it. You'll want to remove the peels as close to 24 hours as you can. Leave the infusion for days and it will turn bitter.
Because you’re only using the rind for infusing, pick whatever grapefruit is easiest to find at the store, but choose the prettiest one. The color found on the outside will lend itself to your infusion, so now’s the time to choose a grapefruit with lots of color on the rind.
How to use Grapefruit Infused Tequila
I love swapping out this infused tequila for the standard silver tequila in a Paloma, ranch water, or my triple citrus margaritas, but it will work well in just about any tequila. For a twist, try in my blueberry margaritas or blackberry margaritas.
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How to Make Grapefruit Infused Tequila
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 - 4 inch pieces of grapefruit rind
- 2 cups silver tequila
- A pint mason jar and lid
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash your grapefruit.
- Using a vegetable peeler, remove the rind from the grapefruit. Try not to get the white pith underneath the rind. Set aside.
- Place grapefruit peels in a pint mason jar.
- Add tequila and place the lid on the jar.
- Set the jar in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
- Let sit for 24 hours.
- Note: Be sure to pay attention to timing here. Leave it for multiple days and you will start getting a bitter taste in the infusion.
- Remove the grapefruit peels from the tequila. You can leave the tequila in the mason jar or decant it into a prettier container.
Bianca says
Made this a few days ago and it's so goood! Thanks to you and your detailed instructions I started to make my own infused alcohol at home 😀
Katy McAvoy says
Yay! I'm so happy to hear that!! : )