Bandera Drink Cocktail

Bandera

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Are you ready for an energetic cocktail to perk up your night? Give this Bandera Drink recipe a go! It’s easy to assemble and injects a party vibe into any drink selection.

Bandera Drink Recipe

Fight off the night with this straightforward Bandera drink recipe! Tequila, lime juice, and sangrita blend together to create the perfect cocktail for party people.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

106 kl

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Tequila
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • 1 oz sangrita
  • Ice cubes
  • Salt rim, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Shot Glasses
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Add Tequila: Pour 1 oz Tequila into one glass.
  • Add Lime Juice: Measure and pour 1 oz lime juice into the second glass.
  • Prepare glass: if you want, rim the third glass with salt.
  • Add Sangrita: Add 1 oz sangrita to the third glass.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Tequila: If you don't have Tequila, you can use mezcal for a smokier flavor. I've also used vodka as a substitute, but it changes the drink's character quite a bit.
  • Lime Juice: If you run out of limes, lemon juice can substitute. It's not the same, but it still provides that necessary citrus kick.
  • Sangrita: This is a tricky substitute as it's a unique blend of flavors. However, I've made a quick version using equal parts tomato juice, orange juice, and a splash of hot sauce with a dash of salt and pepper.

Making it Vegan:

  • Check Your Ingredients: The Bandera drink is typically vegan as it contains no animal products. However, always check your specific brands of Tequila and sangrita to ensure they're vegan-friendly. Some brands may use animal products in their processing methods.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
106
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.02
g
0
%
Sodium
 
2
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
6
g
2
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Potassium
 
51
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.2
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.01
g
Vitamin A
 
14
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
9
mg
11
%
Calcium
 
8
mg
1
%
Iron
 
0.04
mg
0
%

 

Bandera Drink Cocktail

Bandera Drink Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
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Fight off the night with this straightforward Bandera drink recipe! Tequila, lime juice, and sangrita blend together to create the perfect cocktail for party people.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 106

Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz Tequila
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • 1 oz sangrita
  • Ice cubes
  • Salt rim - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Shot Glasses
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Add Tequila: Pour 1 oz Tequila into one glass.
  • Add Lime Juice: Measure and pour 1 oz lime juice into the second glass.
  • Prepare glass: if you want, rim the third glass with salt.
  • Add Sangrita: Add 1 oz sangrita to the third glass.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Tequila: If you don't have Tequila, you can use mezcal for a smokier flavor. I've also used vodka as a substitute, but it changes the drink's character quite a bit.
  • Lime Juice: If you run out of limes, lemon juice can substitute. It's not the same, but it still provides that necessary citrus kick.
  • Sangrita: This is a tricky substitute as it's a unique blend of flavors. However, I've made a quick version using equal parts tomato juice, orange juice, and a splash of hot sauce with a dash of salt and pepper.

Making it Vegan:

  • Check Your Ingredients: The Bandera drink is typically vegan as it contains no animal products. However, always check your specific brands of Tequila and sangrita to ensure they're vegan-friendly. Some brands may use animal products in their processing methods.

What is a Bandera Drink?

A Bandera Drink is a tequila-based shot made of lime juice, Tequila, and sangrita. This drink is relatively easy to make as it only requires pouring these ingredients in three different shot glasses. The name ‘Bandera’ translates to ‘flag’ in Spanish, representing the colors of the Mexican flag: green (lime juice), white (Tequila), and red (sangrita). It’s not a variant of any well-known cocktail but stands out for its vibrant presentation and strong flavor profile.

A side shot of a Bandera Drink cocktail in three shot glasses on a wooden tray on a wooden table surrounded by a plate with lime pieces and a white cloth

What is a Bandera Drink made of – The ingredients

Get these ingredients ready if you’re making a Bandera Drink:

  • Tequila: The primary spirit in the Bandera drink provides a robust and distinctive flavor.
  • Lime Juice: Adds a tangy citrus note, balancing the strong taste of Tequila.
  • Sangrita: A traditional Mexican drink, it enhances the flavor with spicy and sweet elements.
  • Salt: Serves as a flavor enhancer, bringing out the individual tastes of the other ingredients.

Tequila, lime juice, sangrita and lime laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Bandera Drink?

Create your own Bandera Drink by following our easy instructions:

1
<p>Pour a shot of Tequila into a shot glass. The Tequila is the main component of the Bandera and gives the drink its distinctive kick.</p>

Pour a shot of Tequila into a shot glass. The Tequila is the main component of the Bandera and gives the drink its distinctive kick.

2
<p>Following the Tequila, pour fresh lime juice into a separate shot glass. The lime juice will balance out the strong flavor of the Tequila.</p>

Following the Tequila, pour fresh lime juice into a separate shot glass. The lime juice will balance out the strong flavor of the Tequila.

3
<p>If you want, rim the third glass with salt, this will add another layer of flavor to the last shot. Start by wetting the rim of the glass with a lime wedge.</p>

If you want, rim the third glass with salt, this will add another layer of flavor to the last shot. Start by wetting the rim of the glass with a lime wedge.

4
<p>Then dip the wet rim into the salt to stick it.</p>

Then dip the wet rim into the salt to stick it.

5
<p>Pour a sangrita shot into the third glass. Sangrita, a traditional Mexican drink, is typically made from tomato and/or pomegranate juice, orange juice, lime juice, and hot chili peppers. It adds a spicy and tangy flavor to the Bandera.</p>

Pour a sangrita shot into the third glass. Sangrita, a traditional Mexican drink, is typically made from tomato and/or pomegranate juice, orange juice, lime juice, and hot chili peppers. It adds a spicy and tangy flavor to the Bandera.

History and Origin

The Bandera Drink cocktail comes from Mexico. The word ‘Bandera’ means ‘flag’ in Spanish. This drink gets its name because it has the same colors as the Mexican flag: green, white, and red.

People started making this drink in the early 1900s. During this time, Tequila became very popular in Mexico. People made the Bandera Drink to celebrate Tequila and show love for their country’s flag.

 The green color in the Bandera Drink comes from lime juice. This color stands for hope and unity on the Mexican flag. The white color comes from Tequila, which shows purity and honesty. The red color comes from sangrita, a spicy tomato mix. This color represents the blood of heroes who fought for Mexico.

Usually, people serve these three parts in separate shot glasses. They drink them in the order of the flag’s colors: green (lime), white (Tequila), and red (sangrita). Drinking it this way makes people feel proud of their country.

Traditionally the Bandera is drunk to celebrate Mexican Independence Day and over time, people have changed the Bandera Drink a little bit. But no matter how people change it, the Bandera Drink celebrates Mexican culture and Tequila.

A Bandera Drink cocktail, shot from above, in three shot glasses on a beige surface surrounded by Tequila, sangrita, lime juice and lime

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FAQ

How many calories does a Bandera Drink contain?
A typical version contains approximately 150-200 calories. However, the exact number can vary depending on the ingredients used and their quantities.
What is the strength of a Bandera Drink?
The alcohol content of a Bandera drink comes from the shot of tequila which is usually around 40% ABV (Alcohol By Volume), which translates to 80 proof.
What type of alcohol is used in a Bandera Drink?
The primary alcohol is Tequila. Using high-quality Tequila for the best flavor and overall experience is important.
In what type of glass is a Bandera Drink served?
A Bandera Drink is traditionally served in shot glasses. This allows for easy consumption and enhances the visual appeal of the drink.
What does a Bandera Drink taste like?
A Bandera Drink offers a unique blend of flavors. The Tequila provides a robust, earthy base, while the lime juice adds a tangy freshness and the sangrita provides a spicy contrast. The salt rim further enhances these flavors, creating an exciting taste experience.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Bandera Drink?
The standard version is typically 1 part tequila, 1 part lime juice, and 1 part sangrita. However, this can be adjusted according to personal preference.
How is a Bandera Drink served with respect to ice and other serving methods?
The drink is typically served “up” in three shot glasses.

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