Grapefruit Tequila Sour

Grapefruit Tequila Sour is bold, bright, and smooth with a touch of bite. Fresh grapefruit juice brings in a tangy citrus flavor, balanced by the warmth of tequila and the slight bitterness of Aperol. The egg white adds a creamy, frothy texture that makes each sip feel smooth without being heavy. A few drops of Peychaud’s bitters on top give it a nice finish and just the right amount of edge. It’s a solid choice for slow evenings or when you want a drink with both flavor and balance. Simple, sharp, and just the right amount of bold.

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Tasting Notes

This Grapefruit Tequila Sour drink is bright, smooth, and just a little bitter in the best way. The grapefruit juice adds a tangy, fresh base that plays well with the boldness of tequila. Aperol softens everything with a light, slightly bitter orange flavor that rounds things out. The egg white gives the drink a creamy texture and a soft foam top without changing the taste. Simple syrup keeps the citrus from overpowering the rest. One drop of Peychaud’s bitters adds a light herbal finish. It’s citrusy, balanced, and not too sweet perfect for when you want something with some character.

Equipment and Glassware

To make this drink right, you’ll want a shaker and a strainer. Since there’s egg white, use a dry shake (shake without ice first) to build that foam, then a second shake with ice to chill it. A fine mesh strainer helps catch any leftover pulp or ice shards. A jigger helps you stay precise with measurements. For serving, a coupe glass or small rocks glass works well it gives space for the foam and keeps the pour neat. Use a dropper for the bitters to get a clean look on top of the foam.

Ingredients

• 2 oz grapefruit juice
• 1.5 oz tequila
• 0.75 oz Aperol
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
• Peychaud’s bitters, for garnish

Instructions

• Add grapefruit juice, tequila, Aperol, simple syrup, and egg white to a shaker.
• Shake without ice first (dry shake) to build the foam.
• Add ice and shake again until chilled.
• Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
• Add a few drops of Peychaud’s bitters on top of the foam.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh grapefruit juice pink or ruby red adds color and softer flavor.
• Always dry shake egg whites first to get a better foam.
• Double strain to get a clean pour with no pulp or ice bits.
• Use chilled glassware to help the foam hold longer.
• Let the drink rest for a few seconds after pouring to let the foam rise.
• One drop of bitters is plenty don’t overdo it.
• Try reposado tequila for a deeper flavor.
• If you don’t want to use egg white, aquafaba works as a solid substitute.

When to Serve

This Grapefruit Tequila Sour cocktail works well when you want something with a little more edge than a standard sour. It fits nicely into early evening or dinner hour drinks, especially if you’re pairing it with appetizers or bold flavors. It’s also a great choice for brunch or warm-weather gatherings where a citrus-forward drink makes sense. The foam gives it a polished feel without being fussy, so it stands out just enough. Serve it when you want something a little different—something that feels fresh and bold but still easy to enjoy.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Espolòn Blanco (smooth and affordable)
• Olmeca Altos Plata (light and great for mixing)
• Casamigos Blanco (clean with a hint of vanilla)
• El Tesoro Blanco (earthy and balanced)
• Aperol is the only one you need—no substitutes recommended
• Peychaud’s Aromatic Bitters (use a dropper for best control)

Similar Cocktails

• Tequila Aperol Spritz
• Aperol Negroni Sour
• Campari Sour
• Blue Long Island Iced Tea
• Italian Greyhound