ounces white tequila Combine all the ingredients, except the tequila, in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a jug and chill for at least 4 hours. To serve pour 1½ ounces white tequila into each of four Old-Fashioned glasses and pour in ½ cup of the tomato mixture. Stir to mix. If liked, the drink may be served over ice cubes. Aperitivo Chapala MEXICO
There is a lot of controversy over this drink, a chaser for tequila, created by the widow Sanchez at her restaurant at Lake Chapala. Her original was made without tomato juice and had Seville (bitter) orange juice and grenadine syrup. I nd ordinary orange juice just as good. The hot pepper gives it a nice lift. I was served it as Aperitivo Chapala when I stayed at the lake so I have kept that name here. Makes about 6 servings cup orange juice tablespoons grenadine syrup ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or any ground hot red pepper Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and chill. Serve in small, straight-sided 1½- to 2-ounce tequila glasses with another glass of tequila served separately. Drink alternately sip by sip. Traditionally the drink is accompanied by small, dried, fried sh, available packaged in many specialty food shops. Sangrita MEXICO
Sangrita made with tomato juice is also a splendid accompaniment to tequila. I like the modern way of serving it, combining the Sangrita and the tequila over ice cubes in an OldFashioned glass. Makes 18 to 24 servings cups tomato juice cup orange juice ½ cup lime juice ½ small white onion, chopped teaspoon sugar teaspoon salt, or to taste teaspoons seeded and chopped fresh hot green or red pepper, or 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper