Charred Citrus Margarita Recipe

The Margarita remains one of the world's most popular cocktails. The classic combination of tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice is iconic and has stood the test of time. The simple, but delicious sour cocktail is also one of the most popular templates to riff on.

This large-format variation, scaled up to serve four, combines the traditional ingredients of a classic Margarita alongside grilled citrus juice and a chili-lime salt seasoning, for garnish.

For this recipe, you can use a mix of citrus, such as navel oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, or satsumas. A fragrant mix will have varying levels of sweetness and acidic qualities for increased depth of flavor. Once grilled, cut-side down, the intense heat of the grill will create a light char on the citrus and caramelize the natural sugars in the fruit. Heat also helps to release complex, bittersweet notes.

Fresh lime juice is a traditional addition to a classic Margarita, and its high acidity is essential in this version to balance the sweetness from the other citrus fruits.

The smallest pinch of fine sea salt perks up the flavor of the charred fruit. The bright, herbaceous flavors of blanco tequila work nicely here, but the grilled juices can hold their own with the rounder flavors of reposado tequila or a smoky mezcal.

Rim the glass with a spicy, slightly sweet chili salt for a kiss of heat.