A cocktail of grilled rambutan, tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and smoked salt. The rambutan caramelises on the grill and tastes like lychee with a nutty sweetness.
I had never eaten rambutan, let alone grilled it, until a friend served these cocktails at a party and I could not stop drinking them. Rambutans peeled and grilled for five minutes until slightly caramelised, then mixed in a pitcher with tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and smoked salt. The rambutan tastes like lychee with a nuttier edge, and grilling it brings out a caramel sweetness that cold rambutan lacks.
Smoked salt on the rim or dissolved into the drink is the savoury note that stops this from being just another tropical fruit drink. Served over ice, it is sweet, tart, smoky, and unfamiliar in a good way. Every single person who has tried this asks for the recipe.
Tips for Making Grilled Rambutan Tequila Cocktails
Grill the rambutan until caramelised
Peel and remove the seeds. Place on a medium-high grill for about five minutes, turning once, until you see grill marks and the flesh is slightly browned.
Fresh rambutan works best. Canned rambutan is pre-cooked and softer. If using canned, skip the grilling and add them directly to the pitcher.
Use smoked salt, not regular salt
Smoked salt has a deeper, more complex flavour that echoes the char on the rambutan. Regular salt works but misses the smoky connection.
Rim the glass or dissolve a small amount into the pitcher. Start with one tablespoon and adjust.
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Grilled Rambutan and Tequila Cocktail
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 drinks
Description
A refreshing cocktail combining the unique flavors of grilled rambutan with tequila, grapefruit, and lime juice, finished with a hint of smoked salt.
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the rambutans for about 5 minutes until they have grill marks and are slightly caramelized.
- In a pitcher, combine the grilled rambutans, tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and smoked salt.
- Stir well and serve over ice.
Notes
The slightly nutty flavors pair wonderfully with tequila, while fresh lime and grapefruit juice highlight the floral and tart elements of the rambutan. A touch of simple syrup is not enough to make the whole concoction sweet; instead, it helps round out the flavor and brighten the mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 200
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Frequently Asked Questions
What is rambutan?
A tropical fruit related to lychee, with a hairy red shell and translucent, juicy flesh inside. Available at Asian grocery stores and some supermarkets. Lychee is the closest substitute.
What tequila works best?
Blanco or reposado. One cup for the whole pitcher, which serves four. Blanco is cleaner. Reposado is smoother.
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes. Replace the tequila with sparkling water. The grilled rambutan, grapefruit, lime, and smoked salt make a distinctive non-alcoholic drink.