A full-bodied and complex companion to your tequila, the Sangrita brings bold flavor to each sip.
My friends and I love Taco Tuesdays here in Los Angeles. There’s a number of places we hit up on a regular basis, filling a long table with chips, salsa, tequila and of course tacos, tacos, tacos. Carne asada, chili con carne and everything else you can imagine are brought to us and passionately devoured. With grace and manners, naturally.
While I like tequila just fine, my beloved pack of troublemakers love the stuff. I learned a lot about the spirit through them, and have been treated to some of the finest tequila the world has ever seen. Then one particular Taco Tuesday, one of my buddies ordered a pitcher of Sangrita for the table, declaring we were going to love it.
Shots of tequila were poured alongside glasses of a drink that looked like V8. This was the Sangrita, a non-alcoholic side beverage to the tequila shot. And we weren’t supposed to slam them either, just take turns sipping each. The Sangrita was eye-opening, to say the least, featuring flavors of tomato and orange juice, as well as the kick of Tabasco. It watered my eye a little, but in the best way. I remembered my sinuses being thoroughly cleared out.
Said to have been created in the 1920s in Jalisco, Mexico, the Sangrita is something I never knew that I needed, but will definitely be having again the next time we hit our local cantina. Make sure you ask your favorite place if they make it. And if not, now you can with the recipe right here.
What Is The Best Tequila To Use For The Sangrita?
This depends on you and what you’re in the mood for. A clear blanco tequila can be earthy, smooth and peppery, with a crisp finish. An aged reposado will be a light golden color and a little more robust, and an añejo variety will be even more complex, but ideal for sipping. For something with a smokier flavor, you can go for mezcal instead of tequila.
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon grenadine
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce such as Tabasco
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Tequila shots to serve alongside
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the tomato juice, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine.
- Add the hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Serve Sangrita in small glasses alongside shots of tequila, sipping alternately.
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?
Shot glasses for the tequila, and medium-sized juice or punch glasses for the Sangrita. Enjoy sipping both alternately, keeping a few lime wedges nearby in case you need some citrus.
CAN YOU PUT THE TEQUILA IN THE SANGRITA?
It’s best to sip, or kiss the tequila and then take a sip of the Sangrita. Don’t rush, just sit back and take your time doing this. The flavors of each aren’t supposed to mix necessarily, but be companions instead.
Other Robust Recipes Worth Trying
After the spiciness of the Sangrita perfecting every sip of tequila, you’re ready for other full-bodied flavors. Something with a little kick, a lot of flavor, and maybe some kind of boozy bite, too. Especially since the weekend is right around the corner. Check these recipes out, just to get you started.
- Bloody Mary – Need a little something strong with breakfast this morning?
- Spicy Paloma – This ice-cold concoction is both hot and refreshing.
- Michelada – A fiery and fully loaded spiced beer. Intriguing and unforgettable.
- Serrano Paloma – This cocktail will make you sweat as it cools you down.
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