Vampiro
A uniquely Mexican cocktail that offers a captivating blend of savory, sweet, tart, and spicy flavors, setting it apart from its more famous cousin, the Bloody Mary.
14%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
highball
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Vampiro was created in the late 1970s or early 1980s by Oscar Hernández, a fruit stand owner in San Luis Soyatlán, Jalisco, Mexico. He would prepare this refreshing drink for himself to combat the heat, mixing tequila, citrus soda, and local Viuda de Sánchez sangrita. The drink's blood-red color earned it the name "Vampiro" (Spanish for "vampire"). It quickly gained popularity throughout Mexico and eventually crossed into the United States, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Prepare a highball glass by moistening the rim with a lime wedge and dipping into Tajín seasoning
Fill the prepared glass with ice
Pour the tequila and fresh lime juice over the ice
Add the sangrita
Top with grapefruit soda
Gently stir with a bar spoon to combine without losing carbonation
Glassware
Served in a highball or Collins glass with Tajín rim
Garnish
Cut fresh lime wheel
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use 100% agave tequila blanco for best results
Fresh lime juice is essential - never use bottled
Jarritos or Squirt grapefruit soda work best
Don't shake - build in glass to preserve carbonation
Serve immediately to maintain the effervescence
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Vampiro.
Spicier Vampiro
Increase hot sauce or use spicier sangrita for more heat.
Changes
Sweeter Vampiro
Add agave nectar or use sweeter grapefruit soda.
Changes
Layered Vampiro
Layer ingredients for visual presentation with grapefruit soda at bottom.
Changes
Smoky Vampiro
Add a small amount of mezcal for smoky dimension.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Cantarito
A Jalisco roadside classic—blanco tequila with lime, orange, grapefruit and a splash of grapefruit soda over ice.
Blue Margarita
A vibrant margarita riff—blanco tequila, blue curaçao, and fresh lime served tart with an optional salted rim.
Margarita
Tequila, lime and orange liqueur in flawless harmony—Mexico's most famous cocktail and a symbol of celebration.