As many of you know I reside in Illinois but was born and raised and lived a long time in Arizona. Illinois is my home now but Arizona will always be “home” to me. I love inventing new cocktails and this one that I made I named the Arizona Grapefruit Sipper in honoring the many citrus and grapefruit trees that grow in that state. The desert climate is perfect for grapefruit trees and it makes for a gorgeous (snow and deep freeze free) winter (as opposed to Illinois) so I hope you enjoy this cocktail recipe and think of the beautiful Arizona desert as you sip it year round.
What you need:
- 2 medium sized grapefruit
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 8 – 10 blackberries
- 1 shot of grapefruit rum (captain Morgan makes one that I used for this)
- 1 shot and 2 splashes of Grand Marnier
- Ice
- muddler
- martini shaker
- 2 glasses
How to Make:
- Cut one grapefruit in quarters. Use one quarter piece to cut out sections that will be used for the garnish and remove the peel from the other 3.
- Put the grapefruit pieces into the martini shaker and use the muddler to release the juice and create a good amount of pulp. Remove the chunks of grapefruit from the martini shaker.
- Cut the other grapefruit into quarters and squeeze the juice into its own container.
- To the martini shaker add pineapple juice, 1 shot of grapefruit rum and 1 shot of Grand Marnier and 2 Blackberries. Also add a bit of ice. Put on the lid and shake well.
- In two glasses add ice and whole blackberries.
- Pour the alcohol mixture over the ice equally divided into the two glasses.
- Top off with the grapefruit juice and stir.
- Add a splash of Grand Marnier and a skewer of fruit.
Sometimes I feel like a sweet drink and sometimes I like it more sour. You can add a couple tablespoons of simple syrup if it is making you pucker up! Most if the time I love to mix mine with carbonated water or LaCroix for a lighter drink. . . and it can double the recipe too!
Cheers to you Arizona and your lovely dry heat year round!
