Grapefruit Sangrita With Chipotle and Honey Recipe

Smoke and spice add depth to bitter grapefruit in this complex sangrita, the ideal sipping partner for a good tequila.

By
Daniel Gritzer
Daniel Gritzer
Daniel Gritzer
Senior Culinary Director
Daniel joined the Serious Eats culinary team in 2014 and writes recipes, equipment reviews, articles on cooking techniques. Prior to that he was a food editor at Food & Wine magazine, and the staff writer for Time Out New York's restaurant and bars section.
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Updated May. 02, 2019
20160420-sangrita-vicky-wasik-5.jpg
Photograph: Vicky Wasik

Why It Works

  • Tamed by a touch of honey, the mild bitterness of grapefruit juice makes a great match for tequila.
  • Chipotle chili powder adds a pleasant smokiness.

Though the original sangrita, a mix of fruit juices served as an accompaniment to tequila, was made with sour oranges and pomegranate, this one blends bitter grapefruit juice with honey and smoky chipotle chili powder. The combination is deep, complex, and perfect alongside a high-quality silver tequila.

Recipe Facts

Active: 5 mins
Total: 5 mins
Serves: 1 serving

Rate & Comment

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces (60ml) fresh juice from 1 red grapefruit
  • 1/2 ounce (15ml) fresh juice from 1 lime
  • 1/2 ounce (15ml) honey
  • Pinch chipotle chili powder
  • Kosher salt

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine grapefruit juice, lime juice, honey, and chipotle chili powder and stir until honey is thoroughly combined. Season very lightly with salt, then taste and adjust any ingredients as desired. Chill in the refrigerator or by stirring with ice briefly and then straining. Serve in a shot glass alongside a good-quality silver tequila.

Notes

The quantities here are for 1 shot of sangrita; multiply the ingredients to make more servings at once. Fresh fruit juices can vary significantly in terms of flavor, sweetness, and tartness, so don't just follow the recipe blindly: Make sure to taste the sangrita and adjust to get the balance just right.

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