Over the years, and traveling all around to different cities, I’ve realized it’s incredible how much you can learn about Mexican food being in the US. Because Mexicans you meet here come from so many different parts of Mexico, each with their own unique regional cuisine and traditions.
Such was the case when Nándo and Germán responded to my post on social media wondering if anyone in New York would be willing to invite me over for lunch, while I was there for work earlier this month.
Nándo and Germán generously welcomed me into their home in Brooklyn. Where their friends were waiting, including Cristina who traveled all the way from Arizona. I was so thrilled to meet them!
Germán, whose family is in Puebla, made his mom’s adobo for me. Meanwhile, since they were so kind to open their doors to me and do the cooking, drinks were on me. So I brought the tequila. I whipped up a version of a traditional drink from Veracruz for everyone, called a torito. A name I love because torito translates to “little bull,” which refers to the little kick it gives. It can be deceiving because it’s so sweet and creamy.
Since pumpkin is such an essential ingredient in Mexico, I did a pumpkin torito this time. It has pumpkin puree, canela or true cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla, and sweetened condensed milk. To give it that kick, I use Gran Centenario Añejo Tequila – its deep, rustic, caramelly flavor goes harmoniously with the pumpkin.
When the meal was ready, I felt like I was in a fonda back in Mexico. Nándo made my arroz rojo to go with Germán’s adobo chicken, and we had pinto beans on the side. It was phenomenal, really delicious and comforting.
I felt honored Germán made his mom’s adobo for me, as sharing family recipes truly means a lot.
If Nándo and Germán weren’t already kind enough, they let me bring along my production team and their cameras. So you can watch what happened in the video below…
And, of course, I want you to be able to try my spiced up canela pumpkin torito for the holidays. The recipe is below, so invite over some friends, grab a bottle of tequila, and whip up a batch.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Gran Centenario Añejo Tequila
- 2 12-ounce cans evaporated milk
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 3/4 cup smooth pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground canela or true cinnamon
- Pinch ground nutmeg
- Pinch ground cloves
- Ice, to serve
To Prepare
- Place the tequila, evaporated milk, condensed milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, canela or cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in the blender and puree until smooth. Transfer to a pitcher, cover and refrigerate until chilled.
- Alternatively, you may pour directly over ice cubes or add some ice cubes to your blender and make it a frappé! In any case, serve very cold.
Pati how would one go about doing a non dairy version of this? I cannot have dairy but I love pumpkin!! Would Almond or coconut milk work?
Any milk you prefer is good Ana, I would personally recommend coconut to go nicely with the canela. Enjoy!
It looks very tasty. Will give it a try.
Yay, hope you’ll like it!
This is so delicious-and perfect for the warm weather evening! I must admit I had to filch a bit with almond milk replacing the evaporated milk-but it seemed to work😋
Glad you liked it Kris!
Can’t wait to try this recipe! Love, love,love your shows !!
Gracias Danielle! New season premiering the first week of October from the gorgeous state of Sonora, Mexico. Hope you will like it!
This looks so good for the holidays, especially since it can be made with or without alcohol 😊
Absolutely Penny, good for the kiddos as well!
Hola Pati, I have been watching your show for quite some time and really, really love all of your dishes you prepare. I live in Phoenix where the temperature esta muy caliente ! I am going to try this Torito it sounds just like the drink we need on a hot summers night. Keep cooking!
Hi Evie! This drink is perfect for hot weather, that is why is so popular in Veracruz where it gets really hot and muggy some times. Enjoy!
This looks like a great recipe but I think that I will try making a lower-calorie version, maybe with almond milk or soy milk
Of course Jeanne, go for it, have fun!
Patty, I love your show. I live in
Denton and People still think Mexican Food is greasy. You are educating the public about this
misconception.
Sandra Garcia Rocabado
Gracias Sandra, I appreciate your kind words!
Love your show, Pati. I especially like visiting the different areas in Mexico with you and meeting all your friends! And please don’t ever lose that accent!!!! Also enjoy seeing your boys grow up!
Thanks a lot Mary! Stay tuned as the new season will premiere this Fall 😉
So good delicious 😋
Thanks Frank!
I’ve checked your blog several times over the last months and while I see that you continue to respond to comments (thank you by the way,) there are no new posts. I enjoyed reading my way through your archive and now eagerly look forward to new content. So what have you been cooking lately?
Thanks so much for the feedback, lately I have been really busy testing and working on the recipes that will be featured in the new Season of the show premiering this Fall. I will try to take care of the Blog as soon as I have some free time, any suggestions for new entries?
Pati, love you!!! Where is the drink recipe with the milk and rice?
Hi Donna, are you talking about Horchata? Here you go, enjoy! https://patijinich.com/homemade-horchata/
Love the series, i watch on PBS. You need to offer more products for sale on your site.
Thanks for tuning in Nikki and for your suggestion 😉 Stay strong and healthy in this difficult time.
I am completely obsessed with your series. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful recipes.
Thank you Cynthia 😀 😀
Is there a way to make this non alcoholic?
Great question! Just follow the recipe without adding the tequila 😉 You will have a sweet, refreshing “virgin” torito.
Chef I love watching you on Amazon prime your show is so helpful love you Pati
Thank you for watching on Amazon, Bigvai!
Great show! Diane
Thanks Diane!
Please send resepie for butternut squash resotto
Here it is, Judy! https://patijinich.com/chipotle-butternut-squash-risotto/
I’m glad that I’ve started checking out your blog. This drink also works well with bourbon. We always seem to have an excess in our holiday kitchen. What defines a torito? Are they always creamy and sweet?
Toritos are traditionally made with strong aguardiente de caña (cane liquor), which translates to “water that burns” and they are sweet and creamy. The strength of the liquor may be why the torito, or “little bull,” got its name. You can also use coffee or exotic fruits to make a torito. Enjoy your toritos, C.H.!
I made the drink. I used white rum it was so delicious.
Yay!
I love this drink. I’ve made it a number of times and decided to do a small holiday twist on it.
Instead of evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk I’ve used Eggnog (both homemade and store bought). Although not exactly the same, it sure is yummy.
Hope you all enjoy.
Pati, you are the best.
Great addition, Dan!
Can’t wait to try it!! How wonderful and awesome seeing you with fans!! Don’t ever change how down to earth and real you are! Orgullosa de ser Mexicana!!
💕
I am so excited to try this recipe. Thank you for what looks like such an easy tasty drink for the holidays.
Have fun making the torito, Sonya!
Hola Pati, im going try it for the holidays
thank you so much Luis.
Have a wonderful holiday season, Luis!
Oh, Pati, this recipe sounds so refreshing and delicious! I am going to put these ingredients on my list so I can do a test run. Thank you. This will be perfect for Thanksgiving.
Blessings,
RitaJean
Enjoy the test run, RitaJean!
Thank you Pati. I sure we’ll enjoy this wonderful idea during the Holidays as I have already tried a few. Enjoy all your shows and videos.
Have a great holiday season, Leocadio!
I can’t wait. I’m making this tomorrow…”testing” before our family Thanksgiving!
Recipe testing is always important 😉.
I have a question if you don’t have tequila can you use another liquor .
Sure…or you can also make it without any alcohol, Hortensia.
OMG Pumpkin and tequila are two of my faves👍This is like Thanksgiving and Christmas in a drink! Can’t wait!
Enjoy the holidays, Miguel!
I’ll try it minus the Alcohol
Go for it, Dan!
You good is amazing! You are great person.
Real and simple! Great personality !
All chefes should look at you to learn how interact with all peoples !
Great Family !
Thank you so much, Rosa!
It sound good I am go to try it for thanksgiving.
Super! Happy Thanksgiving, Mari.
Hola Pati,
I am a new fan, and so far I’ve tried four of your recipes and without fail they are becoming favorites. In our home, we don’t drink alcohol, is there a substitute for the Tequila?
Thank you,
Cathy Aleman
You can leave it, Cathy, and it will still be yum.
Wow,great flavored drink 👍
Thank you, Richard!
Hi Pati!
Love your show and your recipes! This Pumkin Torito will be making its debut at my family’s Thanksgiving Day festivities. Thanks so much for sharing it and keep up the great work!!
Warmest regards,
Gayle Prochko
I hope the whole family loves the Torito, Gayle.
I love your recipes. I’m making this for guests on Thanksgiving FOR SURE. Thank you very much.
I hope your guests love it, Gloria!
This sounds amazing! I’ll give it a whirl!
Awesome!
My delicious party .
Gracias, Pat!
This recipe sounds amazing!! I definitely have to try it. Thank you
Enjoy it, Marlen!
I don’t drink alcohol. What this be like without alcohol? Could a non-alcoholic beverage be substituted?
You can leave out the tequila, and enjoy it, Jesse!
Yum yum!!! Looking forward to new book Davene
Can’t wait to share it with everyone!
Is there a version of this without adding any vegetable purée? Just plain?
Here you go: https://patijinich.com/toritos-peanut-and-vanilla-aperitif/
Oh my Pati, I must try this…it looks so good! Thank you!
Thank YOU for giving it a try, Carol!
Can a Torito be non-alcoholic? If so, what would you recommend?
Yes! You can simply leave out the alcohol and enjoy, Lynn!
We love your show and watch it all the time. The recipes are amazing! Love how u say smooshy! Wish u were on Food Network also!!
Thank you for always tuning in, Bonnie!
Patti
My husband hates pumpkin is there another drink of this sort other than pumpkin
If not I’ll drink it myself may need help up but
Thanks
Here you go, Jacki: https://patijinich.com/toritos-peanut-and-vanilla-aperitif/
You can also substitute with Mamey, Guanavana or Nanche.
Pati, you may just have begun a new drink tradition for our family’s Thanksgiving libation! Sounds delicioso!
Yay!