> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Sangrita: Tequila isn’t just for shots and margaritas
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/sangrita-tequila-isnt-just-for-shots-and-margaritas/
- Published: 2005-03-11T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T23:37:13.000Z
- Author: Dan Dunn
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Two things to remember while traveling in Mexico: The ornery-looking young men in tattered jeans and second-hand Yankees caps carrying automatic weapons are evidently there for our protection; and a single glass of tap water, when consumed, can mutate into a flesh-eating alien that will rip through your stomach and kill everyone in sight.

Forty miles to the west of Guadalajara, nestled at the base of a volcano, is the tiny town of Tequila, ground zero for the production of the agave-based potable first distilled by ancient Aztec tribesmen. Over the past 20 years in the United States, tequila has evolved from being primarily the unrefined hooch of choice for shot-silly Spring Breakers to a top-shelf spirit that competes with single-malt Scotches and premium vodkas for the hearts and taste buds of sophisticated tipplers with fat wallets. Your Imbiber, of course, is hoi polloi to the core, so I’ve spent the bulk of my time here talking to “real” Mexicans, trying to discover the “real” best way to enjoy tequila. Really, I did. For real. Too bad my Spanish is limited to asking directions to the toilet and ordering beers, because something tells me these people know there’s more to tequila than meets the margarita.

Eventually, and with the help of Charissa, a most affable and adorable translator, I procured what I was after from Jose Ignacio del Real Laborde, the Gerente de Investigacion Y Desarrollo for Sauza Tequila (Translation: “Important dude with long name who makes Sauza tequila”). Jose attests real Mexicans love the “Vampiro,” a combination of tequila, lime juice or Squirt soda, and Sangrita — a bloody red mixture of orange and lime juices, spices and hot sauce. He even mixed one up for your ole Imbiber, who found it to be muy excelente, especially for anyone interested in keeping it real!

The Vampiro 1 shot Sauza Hornitos tequila Sangrita Lime juice or Squirt soda Lime wedge Pour tequila over ice in a highball glass, add Sangrita to taste, and top off with juice or soda. Garnish with lime wedge.

How to make Sangrita: 1 cup Tabasco Extra Spicy Bloody Mary Mix 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice 3 teaspoons grenadine Dash chili powder Pinch of salt Fresh ground pepper Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker or glass pitcher. Add ice and shake or stir well. (E-mail questions, comments or suggestions for the Imbiber to)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 11, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/031105.pdf?ref=smdp.com)