Bandera Recipe

The Bandera cocktail, also known as the Mexican Flag, is a popular drink in Mexico, especially during national celebrations. The cocktail's name, 'Bandera', translates to 'flag' in Spanish, and it's named after the Mexican flag's colors - green, white, and red. This cocktail is typically enjoyed as a toast to Mexico's independence and is a favorite among tequila lovers.

The Bandera cocktail offers a unique blend of flavors. The lime juice provides a tangy, citrusy note, the tequila gives a strong, earthy kick, and the sangrita brings a spicy, sweet, and slightly sour finish.

• The Bandera cocktail is often served in a specific order: lime juice, tequila, and sangrita, representing the colors of the Mexican flag.
• The cocktail is traditionally consumed by sipping each ingredient in turn, not mixed together.
• The Bandera is often accompanied by a side of salt, which can be licked before each sip to enhance the flavors.

1. Pour 1oz of lime juice into a shot glass.
2. In a separate shot glass, pour 1oz of tequila.
3. In a third shot glass, pour 1oz of sangrita.
4. Arrange the glasses in the order of the Mexican flag: green (lime juice), white (tequila), and red (sangrita).
5. Enjoy each shot separately, sipping in order.

• Use high-quality tequila for the best taste.
• Chill the ingredients before serving for a refreshing experience.
• The order of sipping is crucial: start with the lime juice to prepare your palate, follow with the tequila, and finish with the sangrita to cleanse your palate.

Snacks:

• Chips and Salsa: The crispiness of the chips and the spiciness of salsa complement the sharpness of the lime juice and the sangrita.
• Ceviche: The citrus in the ceviche harmonizes with the lime juice, while the seafood pairs nicely with the clean taste of tequila.
• Grilled meats: Whether it's chicken, beef, or pork, the charred flavor of grilled meats stands up well to the robust flavor profile of the Bandera shot.

Drinks:

• Mexican Beer: A light Mexican lager can be a refreshing follow-up to cleanse the palate after the intensity of the shots.
• Agua Fresca: Non-alcoholic and refreshing, agua fresca helps to soothe the palate between the sips of the shot.

If you can't find sangrita, you can substitute it with a mix of orange juice, grenadine, and hot sauce. For a non-alcoholic version, replace tequila with a white grape juice.

Cilantro Infusion:

1. Infuse tequila with fresh cilantro for 24 hours, strain.
2. Use this cilantro tequila in place of regular tequila.
3. The herby freshness of cilantro infuses a new dimension and pairs well with the traditional Mexican flavors.

Spicy Sangrita:

1. Add a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to your sangrita.
2. Use this spicy sangrita in the Bandera shot.
3. The added heat provides an extra kick, enhancing the profile for those who love a challenge.

Tropical Bandera:

1. Substitute lime juice with pineapple juice.
2. Add a splash of coconut cream to the tequila.
3. Keep sangrita the same or add mango juice for a tropical twist.
4. This variation offers a sweet, island twist to the traditional Mexican shot, reminiscent of a tropical escape.