Sangrita is a spicy, citrus-based Mexican drink served alongside a shot of tequila, sipped in alternation with the tequila rather than mixed into it. Its name means "little blood," referring to the deep red color traditionally achieved with tomato juice or pomegranate juice as a base.
The base juice is combined with fresh orange and lime juice, chili peppers, and seasonings such as Worcestershire sauce or Tabasco sauce and salt; exact recipes vary by region and household. It is generally said to have originated in Jalisco, tequila's home state, though the precise origin story is unclear.
Beyond its role as a tequila accompaniment, sangrita is drunk on its own over ice or used as a mixer in cocktails such as the Paloma or Bloody Maria (a tequila-based variation of the Bloody Mary).