The method
How to make it
Run a lime wedge around half the rim of a rocks glass and press it into kosher salt, half a rim, so every sip is the drinker's choice.
Squeeze the grapefruit and lime fresh. Bottled juice is the difference between a margarita and an airline cocktail.
Build the shaker: tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, orange liqueur and the agave. Two thin jalapeno coins go in now if you like a slow burn.
Fill with ice and shake hard for 12 to 15 seconds, citrus drinks want real dilution and a real chill.
Fill the glass with fresh ice, one big cube if you have it, and strain the drink over.
Notch a fat grapefruit wedge onto the rim and serve it while the frost from the shaker is still on your hands.
The serve
How to present it
Rocks glass, big ice, half salt rim, grapefruit wedge like a sail. This is an afternoon-sun drink, it wants a porch, a squint, and something on the grill. If you batch it for a crowd, keep the ice out of the pitcher and shake each glass to order, or the last pour is water with regrets.
Make it yours
Swaps & variations
Swap the tequila for mezcal and you're one step from a smoky Paloma; go all the way by dropping the orange liqueur and topping with grapefruit soda. Blend it with a cup of ice for a frozen version that forgives nothing and delights everyone. Honey syrup instead of agave plays shockingly well with grapefruit.
Keep pouring
