An intense and spicy beverage, the Vampiro has the kick of tequila along with the bite of sangrita.
Spicy, savory and hot-tasting adult beverages are pretty popular, to say the least. If they weren’t, there wouldn’t be a healthy number of cocktails floating around that feature the intense and robust flavors found in Tabasco or Worcestershire sauce. When I was younger, I had a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that a lot of people really enjoyed drinking cocktails that sometimes included salt, or even tomato juice. But the more experience I gained, the more recipes like the Bloody Mary made sense to me.
Tonight’s mixture is cut from the same cloth, Mexico’s own Vampiro. Traditionally made with Sangrita, itself a red-looking and intense-tasting concoction, the Vampiro’s name, which means “vampire”, comes from the deep, blood-like look the final result has.
It’s said to hail from San Luis Soyatlán in Jalisco state, where fruit vendor Oscar Hernández lays claim to the cocktail’s invention. At first, he’d mix up the drink for himself, drinking it through a straw while it was kept in a plastic bag. Despite the presentation, word got around and Oscar’s customers began asking him to make the Vampiro for them. Many consider it to be one of Mexico’s national drinks, though that honor has been officially bestowed on the Paloma.
What Is Sangrita?
Sangrita, which is Spanish for “little blood”, is a non-alcoholic chaser that is usually served alongside tequila. Comprised of tomato, orange and lime juices, and mixed with spices like hot sauce and salt, the savory and hot Sangrita was originally popularized in Guadalajara, and is said to have originated from the leftover juice in pico de gallo.
What Is The Best Tequila To Use In A Vampiro Drink?
When one enjoys the robust charms of a Sangrita or Vampiro, a blanco tequila is the spirit that is recommended. The clear-colored alcohol is peppery and earthy, melding nicely with the full-bodied ingredients found in this drink, neither being overwhelmed nor competing for the spotlight. When you’re drinking something as flavorful as this cocktail, you want a balanced experience.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 4 ounces Sangrita
- 3 ounces citrus soda
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- Tajín seasoning or chili-lime seasoning for the rim
- 1 lime wedge for garnish optional
Instructions
- Moisten the rim of a highball glass with a bit of lime juice, then dip the rim in the seasoning to coat it evenly. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the tequila, sangrita, citrus soda, and fresh lime juice over the ice.
- Stir gently to combine and garnish with a lime wedge if desired.
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?
Rim a highball glass with your spice of choice or salt, then fill with ice and stir your Vampiro in. Garnish with a plump lime wedge on top.
WHAT IS THE BEST SODA TO USE IN THIS COCKTAIL?
A grapefruit soda, like Squirt or Jarritos is a good choice, but you can also use a lemon-lime or orange flavored soft drink too, such as Sprite or Sunkist respectively.
Similar Drinks To The Vampiro
Looking for a little heat in your next refreshing beverage? Maybe you need an eye-opening pick-me-up, something to shake the cobwebs away after a long night. Whatever your reasons may be, you crave something spicy, and maybe a concoction that’ll make you sweat too. Here at Twist & Toast, we have some fantastic recipes that’ll hit all the targets on your taste buds.
- Bloody Caesar – Canada’s answer to another popular, full-bodied cocktail.
- Spicy Paloma – Here’s one elixir that’s both hot and cold.
- Michelada – A popular and tangy beer-based beverage.
- Virgin Bloody Mary – You don’t need any booze to enjoy this biting and intense classic.
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