Grill Fresh Fruit To Add Smokiness To Tropical Cocktails

Nothing beats the refreshing sensation of a tropical cocktail, whether you find yourself lounging by the pool on a hot summer afternoon or engaging in lively conversations with friends around the table on a Saturday night. Whether it's the classic piña colada or a fresh-flavored banana daiquiri, If you're craving a tropical beverage, you're sure to be content with whatever you choose. One secret ingredient will catapult your paradise-like experience to the next level. Grilling fresh fruit adds a smokiness to your tropical cocktails that will knock your socks off before your feet even make it to your proverbial beach.

Whether it's pineapple, limes, or peaches, you can give your drink that extra bit of exotic grandeur infused with the perfect matching flavor and aroma. As you relish your impeccably crafted refreshment, don't forget your cocktail straw for sipping. Armed with this knowledge, you'll possess the enchanting abilities to create the finest tropical cocktails right at your fingertips.

Adding grilled fruits to your drink won't just make it look beautiful; they'll also add a different flavor that will enhance the experience of every sip. Ensure your grilled fruit selection aligns with the drinks you're preparing. For instance, if you're crafting a spicy pineapple chipotle margarita, consider grilling pineapple pieces to add a juicy garnish that offsets the spice. Cut them into large chunks or thick rings so that when you grill them, they get a blackened char on the outside for that much-needed smokiness. Go for larger cuts to ensure a charred exterior without compromising the fruit's size or shape during grilling.

If you want something more acidic, you'll want to use lemons or limes; if you want sweeter, go with peaches. All three fruits are similar in shape and size, so you can cut them in halves or full-on slices. These cuts will allow the fruits to absorb the smoke from the flames. Once you've got them a little charred, you can throw them into your drink for a smoky and fruity infusion. You get the idea, folks. You can toss anything smaller than a peach onto the grill as a whole or put it on a skewer.

While you're thirsting at the idea of grilling up those juicy fruits for your tropical cocktails, here are some things you might want to consider so they come out perfect. The first thing you want to get right is the coals you'll use for your grill. You want them layered but not too densely. Too many coals can produce a higher flame that may scorch your fruits, and a subtle char is preferable. If using a gas grill, maintain a low flame and closely monitor your fruits. You'll also want the best tongs you can find for handling your fruits — the longer, the better. To keep your hands safe, throw on some grill gloves. If you're indoors or don't have a grill, you can always use a grill pan.

When it comes to the fruit selection, go for ripe or slightly overripe. These fruits will provide you with a good amount of juice. Just as the heat will cause your fruits to shrink, it'll also cause them to lose a bit of liquid, so you want them as ripe as can be. You also want to be careful about sticking. Sometimes, fruits will stick to the grill, so lay them down slowly and gently, the same way you would if you were placing battered fish into oil. Also, flip them every once in a while. There you go, folks. Now, you can make smoky grilled fruit like a pro.