If a cocktail uses a fruit garnish, grill the fruit first (photos courtesy Kenyon International).

When your business is making grills, as it is at Kenyon grills, you’re always thinking of what to grill next.

From the company’s test kitchen, here’s a way to add a subtle smoky flavor to summer cocktails. Grill the fruit!

Here are two favorite cocktails, given the grilled fruit treatment.
For both recipes, prep time is 5 minutes; total time is 15 minutes.

RECIPE #1: PINA COLADA WITH GRILLED FRUIT GARNISH

A long-time favorite tastes even better with fresh, grilled pineapple and a squeeze of grilled lime.

July 10th is National Piña Colada Day. Here’s the history of the Piña Colada.

Ingredients For 2 Drinks

 
Preparation

1. PREHEAT the grill to medium-high heat. Place the sliced pineapple and lime on the grill for approximately 3 minutes per side, or until golden.

2. REMOVE the limes off the grill first. Set the grilled fruit aside on a plate. Allow the pineapple and lime to completely cool.

3. ADD the grilled pineapple, cream of coconut, rum and ice to the blender. Squeeze in the juice from the grilled lime. Blend on high until smooth.

4. POUR into tall glasses and garnish with a slice of grilled pineapple and an optional cherry.

Enhance a classic Margarita with the flavors of grilled strawberries and a squeeze of grilled lime. Here’s the history of the Margarita.

Ingredients For 2 Drinks

 
Plus

 
Preparation

1. PREHEAT the grill to medium-high heat.

2. PLACE the strawberries on the skewers. Lightly coat with sugar and set aside.

3. CUT the lime into 1/4-inch thick slices. Once the grill has preheated, place the strawberry skewers and limes on the grate and close the lid. Grill for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, removing the limes first. Set the fruit aside and let it cool; then remove the strawberries from the skewers.

4. RIM the glasses with a piece of lime; then dip in either Tajin seasoning, salt, sugar or a mix of salt or sugar and cayenne or other chile powder.

5. ADD the Margarita mix, tequila, ice and grilled strawberries. Blend until frothy. Pour into glasses and add a squeeze of grilled lime. Garnish with a grilled lime wheel.

Now that you have the hang of it, consider “grilling up” your other favorite summer cocktails.