Sangrita is not a typo — it’s the ideal companion for tequila. Make a batch to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, use it in place of a Bloody Mary at brunch, or enjoy it alcohol-free. This bright, savory drink enhances tequila and can be adjusted to your taste.
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On our 20th wedding anniversary in 2010 we stayed at The Grand Velas Resort in Playa del Carmen, Yucatán. While relaxing at the pool bar, the bartender José introduced us to sangrita — not sangria — and explained it’s how locals often enjoy tequila as a Completo: a small glass of sangrita served alongside a shot of tequila.
Why you’ll love this recipe!
José convinced us to try it, and we were hooked. Sangrita means “little blood” and resembles the tomato portion of a Bloody Mary, but it’s intended to complement tequila rather than mask it. If you enjoy tequila and spicy, savory cocktails, sangrita will likely become a new favorite.
Ingredients you’ll need
The sangrita base is simple and flexible. Start with a tomato base and adjust the citrus and heat to suit your preferences.
- Tomato juice: Using plain tomato juice gives you control over salt and sweetness. A Bloody Mary mix works too — just account for any added seasonings.
- Serrano pepper: I like the fresh heat of a serrano with seeds included. Jalapeño will work if you prefer milder spice.
- Citrus: A blend of orange, lime, and lemon juice balances the tomato. Substitute or adjust proportions based on fruit availability and taste.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami note commonly found in Bloody Mary mixes.
- Hot sauce: Tabasco-style vinegar-forward hot sauces pair well, but use whatever you enjoy.
- Black pepper and salt: Freshly ground black pepper is important. Add salt sparingly after tasting, since tomato juice or other condiments may already contain sodium.
How to make this recipe
Measure and prepare your ingredients, squeezing fresh citrus if possible.
Add the tomato juice, orange, lime and lemon juices, and the serrano pepper to a blender. Blend until smooth.
Taste and then add hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend again and taste. Add up to 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt if needed. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Serve sangrita alongside chilled tequila in separate shot glasses: sip the sangrita, then the tequila. This alternating sip tradition highlights and balances the flavors of the spirit.
For a visual step-by-step, view the sangrita web story on the original site.
Expert Tips and FAQs
- Use fresh citrus for the best brightness.
- Experiment with different tomato bases (tomato juice, Bloody Mary mix, fresh salsa, or canned pureed tomatoes) and peppers to find your preferred vibe.
- Always taste sangrita together with the tequila you plan to serve so you can fine-tune the balance.
In the Yucatán, sangrita typically uses tomatoes, lime and orange juices, and a spicy pepper. Other regions use grenadine with orange juice and lime for a sweeter version. Fruit-based alternatives, like pomegranate or fruit-salad drippings with chili, are also common.
Serve one shot glass of sangrita and one of tequila. Sip the sangrita, then the tequila. The contrast is refreshing and highlights the tequila’s flavor, similar to a deconstructed Bloody Mary experience.
Tomato juice, Bloody Mary mix, canned pureed tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, or even a chunky salsa can work. Choose what matches your taste and texture preference, then add citrus, fresh peppers, and hot sauce.
Sangria is a wine-based punch with fruit and spices. Sangrita is a tomato- or fruit-based accompaniment meant to be sipped with tequila.
What to serve with Sangrita
Sangrita pairs beautifully with tacos and savory Mexican dishes. Slow-cooker or Instant Pot carnitas are easy crowd-pleasers. Stuffed mini peppers, roasted artichokes with chili-lime, or smoky beef carnitas are also great options to serve alongside tequila and sangrita.
P.S. If you try this recipe, please leave a rating or review. Your feedback is appreciated.
Sangrita
Beth Lee
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato juice
- ½ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ serrano pepper, rough chopped
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 2-3 splashes Worcestershire sauce, to taste
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (optional)
Instructions
- Add the first five ingredients (tomato juice, orange, lime, lemon, and serrano) to a blender and liquefy for a few seconds.
- Taste to check heat and balance.
- Add hot sauce, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Blend briefly and taste again.
- Add a pinch of salt if desired. Chill before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh citrus when possible for brighter flavor.
- Customize the tomato base, peppers, and hot sauces to suit your taste.
- Taste sangrita alongside tequila to judge how well it complements the spirit.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 1 g
Sodium: 165 mg
Potassium: 124 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 3 g
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