Charred Grapefruit and Aperol Margarita

Photos and Recipe By Andy Berndt; Mister Berndt Photography

I'm always on the hunt for a cocktail that transports
you to a time or place you remember fondly.
This is that cocktail.

Grapefruit always feels like summer to me. I could (and do!) drink it all season long. I also love everything smokey. This is a perfect marriage of the two.

Margaritas shouldn’t be too sugary-sweet. The Aperol in this margarita recipe gives the slight bitterness I'm looking for, while the char on the grapefruit imparts that additional smokey sweetness.

My friends and I made this cocktail after we floated down the Mississippi river near St. Paul Minnesota, and found an island that looked like it would fit us. It brings me back to that night: filled with friends and laughter around a campfire on a river island.

How to Make
Charred Grapefruit Margarita

Serving: 2 | Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 5 min | Total Time: 15 min

Ingredients

4 shots white Tequila
2 shots Aperol
2 limes, juiced
2 charred grapefruits, juiced
Coarse salt

Materials

Open Fire Grill Grate
Charcoal Starter
Open Fire Gloves
Mason Jars or Enamel Mugs

Charred Grapefruit Instructions

Cut grapefruits in half
Sprinkle with brown sugar
Place open-side down on grill grate
Char over fire until edges get dark

Margarita Instructions (Makes Two Cocktails)

Keep it simple. Drop several ice cubes into a quart-size mason jar. Throw in all ingredients, and shake until it feels right.
Rim your glass with salt and enjoy.