Grilled Grapefruit and Sage Cocktail

recipesdrinks
Written By Todd Wagner

Updated February 24, 2025

Grilled fruit has long been one of my secret food weapons. That’s right, I’ve been known to arrive at backyard barbecues with nothing more than a pineapple and a bag of peaches. But seriously, a little caramelization goes a long way when you’re seeking depth of flavor. In the case of the grapefruit, I wanted to evoke more of the citrus’ natural juicy sweetness, as well as some smokiness, which I’m always a fan of in cocktails – especially tequila cocktails. I spiced things up with a little fresh sage, my favorite honey syrup, lime, and Familia Camarena tequila to round out the party.

Grilled Grapefruit and Sage Cocktail Recipe

Grilled Grapefruit and Sage Cocktail

INGREDIENTS

For the cocktail

  • 2 oz silver tequila
  • 1/2 oz honey syrup
  • 1/2 oz lime juice
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 wheel of grilled Rio Red grapefruit
  • 6 fresh sage leaves
  • whole sprig of fresh sage for garnish

For the honey syrup

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup water

INSTRUCTIONS

For the honey syrup

  1. Add honey and water to a small saucepan over low heat and stir until thoroughly mixed.
  2. Remove from heat and let cool. Store in fridge.

For the cocktail

  1. Cut a Rio Red (Rio Star) grapefruit into 1/2-inch wheels and place directly onto grill over high heat. Cook for ~5 minutes or until the citrus is lightly charred, then flip and repeat on the opposite side. Remove from the grill and let cool.
  2. Cut one grilled grapefruit wheel in half and add it to your mixing glass.
  3. Add sage leaves, honey syrup, and pinch of salt to your mixing glass and lightly muddle.
  4. Add tequila and lime juice to your mixing glass.
  5. Fill mixing glass with ice and shake thoroughly for 10 seconds.
  6. Double strain over new ice into a tumbler glass.
  7. Garnish with a full sprig of fresh sage and serve.

(images by HonestlyYUM)

Todd Wagner
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