Spicy Grapefruit Margarita

I absolutely LOVE grapefruit juice. Indian River grapefruit juice is low in calories and absolutely delicious! This crisp, cool, and spicy margarita is perfect on a hot summer day.  The longer the chiles are infused with the tequila, the hotter it gets. Serve in mason jars or cocktail glasses. I personally love the look of these margaritas served in mason jars.

Ingredients:

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons tequila
1-2 habanaro chiles, halved
kosher salt
6 cups fresh pink grapefruit juice

Directions:

1. Mix tequila and chiles in a large pitcher. Let steep 3 hours, or longer if a spicier tequila is desired. Discard chiles. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 month ahead. Cover; chill.

2. Pour enough water onto a small plate to cover. Pour enough salt onto another small plate to cover by 1/4". Dip rims of eight 12-ounce glasses into water, then into salt to lightly coat; fill with ice. Add grapefruit juice to pitcher with tequila. Fill with ice; stir until cold. Divide drink among glasses.

Bon Appetit, July 2011