Recipe: Mexican Sangrita & Tequila "Completo"

Recipe:
Mexican Sangrita & Tequila "Completo"

In Mexico, order a "completo" and you'll be served two tall shot glasses: one of tequila and one of sangrita. Not to be confused with "sangria" (the fruit-laced wine beverage), sangrita is a vivid red, tangy drink made to be slowly sipped, alternating with sipis of a good quality tequila. (Sangrita means "little blood.")

In my travels, I've found two types of homemade sangrita. One version blends fresh tomato, orange and lime juices with a kick of chiles. The other is more similar to the pre-mixed bottled versions in that it mixes grenadine (a pomegranate-flavored syrup) with orange juice and chiles. Both are refreshingly good. Remember: When drinking a "completo" of tequila and sangrita, sip each glass slowly to savor the flavors.

Note:
You can also mix a tequila and sangrita cocktail, using 4 parts sangrita to 1 part tequila. Serve well chilled or on the rocks.

Sangrita with Three Juices

Serves about 8

1 cup tomato juice
Juice of 3 limes
Juice of 2-3 oranges
Minced fresh green chiles
(serranos or jalapeños) or hot salsa to taste
Salt to taste

Mix the ingredients in a blender or pitcher. Because the intensity of fresh juices and chiles vary, mix most of the ingredients, then taste and adjust accordingly. Chill well. Serve in shot glasses accompanied by shot glasses of tequila for sipping alternately. Best served with a good quality tequila.

Sangrita with Grenadine

Serves about 4

1 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon grenadine syrup
hot sauce or a few squirts of Tabasco to taste
Salt to taste
Squirt of lime juice (from about 1/4 to 1/2 small lime)

Mix the ingredients completely, preferably in a blender, and serve well chilled. Serve in shot glasses accompanied by shot glasses of tequila for sipping alternately. Best served with a good quality tequila.