grapefruit

If you're a fan of the margarita, then you've got to try Mexico's most popular tequila drink, the paloma. Traditionally, it's made of tequila and grapefruit soda, and served on the rocks with a lime wedge for garnish. The recipe here is an upscale take on the classic version: instead of grapefruit soda, it's made with fresh grapefruit juice, club soda, and simple syrup.

The resulting cocktail is so tart, refreshing, and balanced, you'll wonder why you've never had one before! Keep reading for the zesty, refreshing recipe.

Grapefruit, in season September through April, can be extremely bitter, even when it's at the peak of its season and at its juiciest. Some people douse grapefruit in sugar or an artificial sweetener to cut through the tart acidity; however, a sprinkle of salt, although it seems strange, is an effective way to neutralize any acrid flavor.

Try it out at home by cutting the grapefruit into bite-sized wedges, and then sprinkle it with salt (I used fleur de sel). Keep your salted hand at about a two-foot distance, so the salt disperses evenly. As you eat the grapefruit, you'll be amazed that it tastes like grapefruit but without the bitter aftertaste.

National Grapefruit Month isn't the only time you can savor the juicy fruit; you can eat the citrus all year long in a variety of different ways. Here are five ways to enjoy and cook with grapefruit.

• Add a teaspoon of grapefruit zest to your baked goods. Try this technique next time you make muffins, cupcakes, pound cake, or even sugar cookies!
• Add a few tablespoons of grapefruit juice to your basic powdered-sugar icing for added tangy flavor.
• Try out the latest trend to hit the food blogs: broiled grapefruits!
• Segment your grapefruit and add to winter salads for bright, juicy flavor.
• And, of course, use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice in cocktails, like the Freshly Pressed, the Salty Dog, or grapefruit mimosas.

What are your favorite ways to enjoy grapefruit?

Source: Flickr User Dan Zen

While I love a good traditional mimosa any time of day, I find that making it with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice gives it a special quality (especially during National Grapefruit Month). Perhaps it's the soft pink hue or the pulpy goodness that finds its way to the top of your glass, but I really love grapefruit mimosas. For an extraspecial morning brunch or occasion, mix together a pitcher of these, and you'll wind up with a happy rosy cheek that matches your drink. Find the recipe when you read on.

I'm loving National Grapefruit Month and the excuse it has given me to come up with tasty cocktails featuring the ruby red citrus fruit.

Case in point: the Freshly Pressed. This refreshing tipple features my favorite spirit, gin, the juice from half a grapefruit, Rose's lime juice, and grapefruit bitters. Its perfectly pink hue is delicate and feminine, making it a lovely option for girls night in.

For the recipe, read on.

While most citrus — lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits — are available year round, Winter is when it's at its peak. With their vibrant pink flesh and tart refreshing flavor, now is the time to enjoy the subtropical grapefruit. The grapefruit, which is a hybrid citrus born of the pomelo and sweet orange, was first discovered in Barbados in the 18th century. Today, the US is the largest producer of grapefruit with orchards in Florida, Texas, California, and Arizona. The most popular kind of grapefruit is the Ruby Red, a pink variety with a deep red flesh. For more info on grapefruit, including how to select them at the store and what to make with them, keep reading.