Chasing Tequila

Tequila Chasers

Today on Sabado Mexicana, it's a celebration for all shooters who happen to love Tequila. The spirits of the Mexican agave are a favorite for a reason. Folks just can't get enough of downing shot after shot of Tequila. First up is a nice and concise video about Tequila from Tres Agaves in San Francisco. It also explains the three types.

Most folks follow tequila with a slice of lime and salt. There are many varying techniques on how to go about this but the simplest is to bite into the lime and incorporate its juice with salt, which complements the taste of the tequila. Some do this to kill the taste of tequila, well, I have to wonder - why shoot it in the first place if you don't like the taste. Many choose to do the lime/salt thing but before consuming, add the shot of tequila, shish it around in the mouth and then swallow. How do you shoot Tequila and do you chase it with anything? I would like to know.

Michelata

1 whole lime
1/2 lemon
4 dashes Tabasco
1 dash salt
1 dash Lawry's seasoned salt
2 pinches pepper
1 dash Worcestershire
Tomato juice
Tecate ( or other Mexican beer )

In a chilled pilsner glass with a salted rim, squeeze in juice from lime and lemon. Add Tabasco, salts, pepper, and Worcestershire, and then fill glass 1/4 full with tomato juice. Fill the rest of the glass with Tecate or other Mexican beer. Garnish with lime wheel or wedge.

Sangrita
In many parts of Mexico, a fine quality shot of tequila is normally served with a shot of this chaser. It is spicy-sweet and a perfect complement for tequila. 

2 anchos chiles, toasted, stems and seeds removed
2 tablespoons minced onions
1 cup orange juice
1 cup tomato juice
juice of one small lime
salt or seasoned salt to taste

Soak the chiles in hot water covered for 20 minutes and drain. Use gloves when peeling and de-seeding chiles like these. In a blender, puree the chiles with the onion, orange juice, tomato juice, lime juice and salt to taste until thoroughly blended. If the mixture is too thick, add more lime and orange juice.

Blood Orange Margarita
There are many who swear by a margarita after a shot. It's like adding fuel to the fire . . . but, as long as it tames the tongue . . . .

1.5 oz Lunazul Silver Tequila
1/2oz Elderberry Liqueur
1 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 oz fresh squeezed blood orange juice
1/2 oz agave nectar

Shake with ice and pour into pint glass

A Natural Healing
Lots of water and vegetables like cucumber or jícama that consist mostly of water can eliminate the flavor and nose from the last spirit sipped. A simple bite of a flour tortilla can also disperse any remaining agave flavors.