Not to be confused with the Spanish wine-and-fruit-based alcoholic beverage sangria, sangrita (meaning “little blood”) is a traditional accompaniment to a tequila served completo; a non-alcoholic sipper that cleanses the palate between fiery doses of agave.
Years ago I was taught that sangrita is a blend of tomato and orange juices, with the addition of something spicy (hot sauce, typically) for a little kick. But further research has convinced me that this American sangrita recipe, while still enjoyable and certainly prevalent, is not altogether authentic.
Real sangrita from the Lake Chapala region of Jalisco is made with Seville orange and pomegranate juices, with powdered chiles added for heat. Taking into account that even the most cocktailian bartender (professional or otherwise) doesn’t typically stock sour oranges or pomegranate juice behind the bar, I’ve worked up a recipe that should approximate the flavor of this spicy little sour orange and pomegranate chaser while still providing an authentic experience.
1 oz orange juice (freshly-squeezed)
¾ oz - 1 oz lime juice (depending on the sweetness of your oranges)
½ oz real pomegranate grenadine
3 dashes hot sauce or ¼ tsp chile powder
Mix ingredients, chill, and serve.
This is far from the final word on sangrita. I’ll still continue to enjoy the tomato varieties (1,2,3), but I think you’ll find a brightness and depth of flavor from this version that plays better with a wider variety of mezcals and tequilas than its heavier gringo cousin.
What’s your experience with sangrita? Chime in with your stories and recipes in the comments section.
One question I'm often asked is "Do you have any drink-related book recommendations?" Well, funny you should ask, I've compiled a list of the ten books every professional bartender or home mixologist should own. I keep every one of these close at hand and have read most of them several times. I suggest you do the same.
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About Me
My name is Jeff Morgenthaler and I'm the head bartender at Bel Ami in Eugene, Oregon.
I'm 36, I've been tending bar for 12 years and writing about it for 5. Mixing drinks has become something of a passion for me in recent years, and I strive to elevate the experience of having a drink from something mundane to something more culinary.
The writing I do here is intended as a work in progress. My recipes are like my opinions: they are constantly being revised and refined as I work them through my mind and my fingers. Comments and participation are encouraged, so please don't feel the need to tread lightly here.
I want to ask out a bartender at the bar I go to sometimes with my friends, but I don’t know how I should ask her out. Can you give me some advice?
G
Hey G
Asking out a bartender, especially a female bartender, can be tricky. On one hand, she’s probably getting asked out by every other guy that bellies up to her bar, and is more than likely getting tired of it. On the other hand, she’s just a normal person with a normal job, and you should ask her out just as you’d ask out any other woman. Just be yourself.
That said, there are definitely ways to your bartender’s heart. Here’s a few pointers:
1. Tip. Yes, she looks like she’s having a great time entertaining you, and everyone else in the bar. But the reality is that she’s here because she’s got bills to pay. A great way of separating yourself from the rest of the crowd is to tip respectfully yet extravagantly. Think of a tip that seems like too much money. Now double it. That’s what you need to tip, per drink, every time you go into her bar. And be respectful: never, ever talk about the tip. Just order your drink, tip well, and leave. She’ll notice you, believe me.
2. Don’t get too drunk. I know you think you’re really, really funny and interesting when you’ve had eight shots, but believe me, she doesn’t. She may be laughing right along with you and letting you think she’s interested in hearing what you have to say, but if you’re slurring and looking like a drunken fool, it’s all an act. And if you do get too intoxicated at her bar, don’t try to sober up there over the course of the next three hours. Call a cab and go home.
3. Show her that you’re respectful of other women in the bar. If you’re in her bar every night trying to take home every drunk girl you encounter, chances are she’ll think you’re a scumbag rather than the suave Cassanova you think you are. Be nice, be respectful, and chances are she’ll notice.
There you go, G, and good luck.
Comments
4 Responses to “Ask Your Bartender: Pursuing Bartenders”
10 Aug 2006 at 6:33 pm 1. sarid
Being a retired bartenderess, I would have to say, oui oui! I agree.
18 Aug 2006 at 2:16 am 2. Meghan
I love this advise! I bartend and am working on a resume; when I did a web search, i landed here. . . which cracks me up because I’m applying to UO for grad school next fall. As for the advise- when will men learn such basic things like: staying all shift til you can’t drive home does not secure a date. 15% tips. Maybe i will see that guy again, but only to collect on the rest of my tip! As for the advise about what men drink and what it says about them, my abs hurt from laughing. Social constructs are rough, but I find so much of this stuff to be true!
21 Aug 2006 at 5:36 am 3. Andrea
Let’s here some advice from the other perspective. How do women approach a male bartendender. Just curious. Thanks!
I don’t think I’m going to post that sort of advice. I don’t want people thinking that I’m using my website as a means to meet women! But thanks for the suggestion… keep them coming!
I own a small library of books on the subject of bartending. Some of these books are geared toward the professional bartender, while others are written for the home mixologist. But regardless of the intended audience, almost every book I own heartily recommends that we use paring knives for cutting fruits and garnishes. […]
10 Aug 2006 at 6:33 pm 1. sarid
Being a retired bartenderess, I would have to say, oui oui! I agree.
18 Aug 2006 at 2:16 am 2. Meghan
I love this advise! I bartend and am working on a resume; when I did a web search, i landed here. . . which cracks me up because I’m applying to UO for grad school next fall. As for the advise- when will men learn such basic things like: staying all shift til you can’t drive home does not secure a date. 15% tips. Maybe i will see that guy again, but only to collect on the rest of my tip! As for the advise about what men drink and what it says about them, my abs hurt from laughing. Social constructs are rough, but I find so much of this stuff to be true!
21 Aug 2006 at 5:36 am 3. Andrea
Let’s here some advice from the other perspective. How do women approach a male bartendender. Just curious. Thanks!
21 Aug 2006 at 9:56 pm 4. jeffrey Morgenthaler
I don’t think I’m going to post that sort of advice. I don’t want people thinking that I’m using my website as a means to meet women! But thanks for the suggestion… keep them coming!