Sangrita - Tequila Completo

Tequila Completo, a serving in a separate glass. One Sangrita, one Tequila

Let me begin by stating that there are as many different Sangrita recipes as there are different looking sunsets. Of importance here is not to confuse this with the fufu wine concoction called "sangria". They are very different. Sangrita, meaning literally "little blood" is the traditional accompaniment for a blanco (white or young) tequila. They are served up shot to shot. So, if you have ever taken tequila shots but have not tried this, you just simply must try it. It is a delicious taste that chills the peppery tequila and refreshes the palate for the next shot. As for which style you like, that is up to you amigo. Check out a few recipes below. They are as simple or as complex as you want. The first is the one I prefer.

NOTE: Tequila must be 100% Agave if you wish to avoid a hangover.

Sangrita #1

INGREDIENTS

• 2 (5.5-ounce; 160ml) cans Clamato (clam-flavored tomato juice)

• 10 cilantro leaves

• 3 ounces (90ml) fresh juice from 3 lemons

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) diced white onion

• 1 tablespoon (15ml) diced jalapeño pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander seed

• 1 teaspoon (5ml) Worcestershire sauce

• Kosher salt

DIRECTIONS

In a blender, combine Clamato, cilantro, lemon juice, onion, jalapeño, coriander seed, and Worcestershire sauce. Blend at high speed until solids are thoroughly blended into liquid. Season lightly with salt. Chill in the refrigerator or by stirring with ice briefly and then straining. Serve in a shot glass alongside a good-quality 100% agave white tequila.

OTHER SANGRITA RECIPES

Sangrita #2

INGREDIENTS

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

• 4 tsp grenadine syrup

• ¼ cup tomato juice

• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ tsp salsa picante or bottled hot sauce to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Mix all the ingredients in a pitcher. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve in a separate glass alongside a straight shot of Tequila or Mezcal.

Whitney's Sangrita

INGREDIENTS

• 9 oz Tomato Juice

• 3 oz fresh Orange juice

• 3 oz fresh Lime Juice

• 2 oz Agave Nectar (adjust to taste)

• A few shakes of Cayenne Powder (adjust to taste)

DIRECTIONS:

Mix ingredients in a serving container. Adjust Agave Nectar and Cayeene Powder to taste. Chill and serve.

La Cava del Tequila Sangrita Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 24 oz. Tomato Juice

• 6 Serrano Pepper (very fine chopped)

• 1/2 Red Onion (very fine chopped)

• 17 Mint Leaves (very fine chopped)

• 7 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

• 7 oz. Fresh Grapefruit Juice

• 7 oz. Fresh Orange Juice

• 3 oz. Agave Nectar

Salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

Mix all ingredients together

and shake well.

Traditional Sangrita Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 1 oz fresh squeezed Seville Orange

• 1 oz fresh squeezed lime juice

• ½ oz homemade pomegranate grenadine

• ¼ oz ancho chili powder

• 1-2 slices jalapeno

DIRECTIONS

Mix ingredients well in your shaker with ice and strain into a small glass. Take a sip or shot of Tequila, and follow with the Sangrita. For more heat, muddle the sliced jalapeno.

Another Sangrita Recipe

This recipe yields 1 blender full of Sangrita. If you desire 2 blenders of Sangrita, double the recipe (and use the remaining half cans of frozen orange and grapefruit juices).

INGREDIENTS

• Fresh ripe tomatoes (enough to fill 1 blender)

• ½ can frozen unsweetened orange juice

• ½ can frozen unsweetened grapefruit juice

• Grenadine or Agave Nectar to sweeten

• Fresh ground pepper

• Dash of Worcestershire sauce

• Hot pepper sauce to taste

DIRECTIONS: Put tomatoes in blender and blend until smooth. Add ½ can frozen unsweetened orange juice, ½ can frozen unsweetened grapefruit juice, fresh ground pepper, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and a little Grenadine or Agave Nectar. Blend until mixed. Add fresh lime juice and hot pepper sauce to taste. Stir. Chill and serve.

Urban Cowgill May 2017 (updated 2024)