La Banderita

La Banderita – A Toast to Mexico

La Banderita was the drink that welcomed us to Mexico City—an unexpected gift from Melissa Aladro of the St. Regis Hotel. With effortless grace, she invited us to enjoy a round of pre-dinner cocktails at the King Cole Bar, nestled inside what would become our luxurious home away from home.

As the sun dipped behind the skyline, casting a golden haze across Paseo de la Reforma, we found ourselves seated in the bar’s refined warmth, surrounded by polished wood, hushed conversation, and the comforting clink of ice in crystal. Over lively discussion of Mexico’s rich history, cultural landmarks, and local recommendations, Melissa introduced us to a traditional Mexican welcome: La Banderita—“the little flag.”

This isn’t a cocktail in the traditional sense, but a ritual. A visual and gustatory tribute to the Mexican flag, La Banderita features three shot glasses arranged in a row—green, white, and red. The colors don’t come from dyes or garnishes, but from three bold flavors that reflect Mexico’s spirit:

• Green: freshly squeezed lime juice—sharp, tart, cleansing.

• White: Union mezcal—smoky, earthy, and assertive.

• Red: sangrita—spicy, savory, and slightly sweet, made with tomato, citrus, seasoning sauce and a whisper of heat.

The Ritual

It’s simple and elegant. From left to right, you sip the lime juice, then the mezcal, and finish with the sangrita. Repeat until the glasses are empty—or your curiosity is satisfied. The interplay of acid, smoke, and spice is balanced, surprising, and wholly addictive. It was tempting to indulge in another round, but dinner called.

Before we departed, I managed to charm the bartender into sharing the secret behind the St. Regis sangrita. He wouldn’t give away the precise proportions—some things must remain house secrets—but he did offer the ingredients and a nudge in the right direction. Back home, with a bit of tinkering and the help of some eager taste-testers, we reverse-engineered a version that’s remarkably close.

This sangrita is more than just a mixer—it’s an elevated, spicy cousin to a Bloody Mary mix, full of complexity and warmth. Paired with mezcal and lime, it brings La Banderita to life in your own kitchen. Whether you’re welcoming guests, raising a glass to new adventures, or simply seeking to recreate a perfect memory, this drink delivers a taste of Mexico with every sip.

Salud—to friendship, La Banderita, and Mexico.

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