Splash Tequila Into Fruit Salad For A Bright, Boozy Burst Of Flavor

While fruit salads can be easy to prep, and often make for a pretty presentation, they can fall flat when it comes to having any kind of wow factor. If you're looking to whip up a fruit salad that will be all the buzz at your next party, both figuratively and literally, all you need is a bit of tequila. Depending on which of the three types of tequila you choose — blanco, reposado, or añejo — the spirit's layered profile can add spicy, citrusy, or floral flavor as well as notes of caramel and vanilla.

While you could theoretically just toss the fruit with the tequila, it's more ideal to incorporate it into a dressing, making it easier for the liquor to evenly coat the fruit. To do that, simply prepare a standard simple syrup by combining equal parts water and sugar and heating until the sugar has dissolved. Then, once the mixture has cooled slightly, start by adding a few tablespoons of the tequila and adjust to taste. Refrigerate the tequila-infused syrup until you're ready to serve your salad, and then just quickly toss it together and serve. It might be the booziest and bougiest fruit salad your guests have ever had. 

It's no secret that citrus pairs beautifully with tequila — its acidity is the perfect complement to the spirit. The juice of limes, oranges, and grapefruits serves as the base of numerous popular tequila-based cocktails, making those fruits all fantastic additions to your fruit salad. For a more unique version, try using other less common citrus options like bergamot or yuzu. While fruits like apples and grapes contain a different form of acidity than citrus, they too will complement tequila. Other top options for acidic fruits are pineapples, plums, and berries.

When it comes to choosing tequila, consider the flavors you want to shine in your salad. With an abundance of fruitiness and citrusy flavor, blanco is a natural pairing with fruit and will keep the salad's profile fairly light. However, for bolder flavor, you may want to turn to reposado or añejo, which have been aged. 

Reposado, aged for two months to a year, boasts a slight spiciness and undertones of vanilla that will mingle well with a medley of fruit. Meanwhile, añejo is aged for up to three years (or longer for varieties labeled "extra añejo") and is often the go-to version for tequila enthusiasts to sip straight. Since añejo's aging process brings out flavors of caramel and custard, it seems perfect for including in a dessert, but the amount added to the simple syrup may need to be adjusted to avoid overwhelming the fruit's flavor with the aged tequila's earthiness and smokiness.

To really take your fruit salad to the next level, consider adding other interesting elements. For a dessert or snack that's reminiscent of a margarita, splash a little lime juice into the tequila simple syrup mix and sprinkle flaky salt over the fruit. You can also channel the vibes of other popular tequila-based cocktails just by switching up the juice — for example, swap out the lime for grapefruit to get Paloma-style flavor, or use orange juice to mimic the bright flavor of a tequila sunrise. And if you want to truly amp up the fruity flavors, replace some or all of the water in the simple syrup with juice.

If you want to add even more depth, look no further than your spice cabinet or herb garden. Using vanilla salt can help to balance the flavors of the fruit salad, or you can add warmth with cinnamon, ginger, or allspice. In contrast, you can also brighten up the salad by adding fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, basil, or mint. For smoky flavor, try tossing the salad with a dash or two of smoked paprika — this works particularly well with fruits that have been grilled. Smoked salt is another option that can impart smokiness while also enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients in the salad. Finally, if a spicy kick is what you're going for, try shaking on Tajín or cayenne pepper powder over the bowl.