Tequila

Limas Congeladas Rellenas de Sangrita y Tequila Most sangrita recipes include tomato as well as orange juice, hence the name ("little blood"). This spicy, salty juice mixture is a traditional chaser for straight tequila. If you don't have time to prepare the frozen lime cups, just pour the sangrita and tequila into shot glasses. Pair the sangrita with a reposado tequila, which has been briefly aged to impart richer, more complex flavor and a smoother sip. (See "Wine & Spirits" for some great top-shelf tequilas.)

From the Café Iguana restaurant, in Denver, Colorado.

For extra-slushy Margaritas, freeze the drinks in the blender jar at least thirty minutes and up to one hour; stir, if necessary, before serving. Instead of using salt, coat the glass rims with superfine sugar: Run a lime wedge along the rims to moisten, then dip them into a shallow saucer of sugar.

If fresh passion fruit isn't available, substitute 3 cups passion-fruit nectar, frozen in ice-cube trays, for the strained fresh passion-fruit puree and, when ready to blend, omit the ice cubes.