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.
Canela Pumpkin Torito
Recipe Yield
Cooking time
Rate this recipe
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.
Comments
103comments inCanela Pumpkin Torito
Mary
Jan 10
I love you! I watched “Create” all weekend. I have been trying to make menudo w/out tripe. I used boneless pork, but kept the fat and just put Guaillo whole dehydrated peppers and it was close. Do you have any suggestions? I don’t speak “Spanish” so I have a hard time shopping for proper ingredients. What do I need to get for staples for my adventure?
Pati Jinich
Jan 17
Hello Mary, thanks so much for reaching out. As soon as I finish testing the recipe for menudo I am working in, I will share with you guys 🙂
Julie
Oct 11
I made this for Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend. Que Rico!!! It was amazing! My son-in-law said it was the best mixed drink he’d ever had. I agree!
Pati Jinich
Oct 22
Yay! Now that you guys know you like Toritos, maybe you can try this one as well, enjoy! https://patijinich.com/pati_2020/toritos-peanut-and-vanilla-aperitif/
Iris Reily
Oct 05
A friend talked about this drink, it sounded wonderful and she sent me to your site for the recipe. Will enjoy your show this fall. Can’t wait to try this one in the meantime.
Pati Jinich
Oct 07
Thank you SO much Iris, hope you like the Show and the Torito 😉
Ana
Jul 25
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?
Pati Jinich
Jul 26
Any milk you prefer is good Ana, I would personally recommend coconut to go nicely with the canela. Enjoy!
Anonymous
Jul 25
It looks very tasty. Will give it a try.
Pati Jinich
Jul 26
Yay, hope you’ll like it!
Kris Hall
Jul 24
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😋
Pati Jinich
Jul 26
Glad you liked it Kris!
Danielle
Jul 24
Can’t wait to try this recipe! Love, love,love your shows !!
Pati Jinich
Jul 26
Gracias Danielle! New season premiering the first week of October from the gorgeous state of Sonora, Mexico. Hope you will like it!
Penny
Jul 24
This looks so good for the holidays, especially since it can be made with or without alcohol 😊
Pati Jinich
Jul 26
Absolutely Penny, good for the kiddos as well!
Evie Nunez
Jul 05
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!
Pati Jinich
Jul 08
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!
Jeanne
Jul 01
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
Pati Jinich
Jul 04
Of course Jeanne, go for it, have fun!
Sandra Garcia Rocabado
Jun 21
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
Pati Jinich
Jun 21
Gracias Sandra, I appreciate your kind words!
mary ruffolo
Jun 20
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!
Pati Jinich
Jun 20
Thanks a lot Mary! Stay tuned as the new season will premiere this Fall 😉
Frank
Jun 09
So good delicious 😋
Pati Jinich
Jun 10
Thanks Frank!
C. H. Rat
May 19
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?
Pati Jinich
May 20
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?
Ophie Lindsay
Nov 28
Hi Patti, I watch your slow and am a big fan. Can you do a menudo, and how to cook meat for tamales!
Thank you so much.
Pati Jinich
Dec 02
Hi Ophie, I am actually working on a recipe for Menudo, so I might surprise you soon. As for meat for tamales, I have this recipe with pork that you might like: https://patijinich.com/pati_2020/tamales-coloraditos/
Donna A
Apr 21
Pati, love you!!! Where is the drink recipe with the milk and rice?
Pati Jinich
Apr 27
Hi Donna, are you talking about Horchata? Here you go, enjoy! https://patijinich.com/pati_2020/homemade-horchata/
Nikki M
Apr 10
Love the series, i watch on PBS. You need to offer more products for sale on your site.
Pati Jinich
Apr 19
Thanks for tuning in Nikki and for your suggestion 😉 Stay strong and healthy in this difficult time.
Cynthia Caldwell
Apr 04
I am completely obsessed with your series. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful recipes.
Pati Jinich
Apr 06
Thank you Cynthia 😀 😀
FSnoke
Jan 29
Is there a way to make this non alcoholic?
Pati Jinich
Jan 30
Great question! Just follow the recipe without adding the tequila 😉 You will have a sweet, refreshing “virgin” torito.
Bigvai Hernandez
Jan 13
Chef I love watching you on Amazon prime your show is so helpful love you Pati
Pati Jinich
Jan 15
Thank you for watching on Amazon, Bigvai!
Diane
Jul 02
Great show! Diane
Pati Jinich
Jul 04
Thanks Diane!
JUDY A PODOLAK
Dec 28
Please send resepie for butternut squash resotto
Pati Jinich
Dec 28
Here it is, Judy! https://patijinich.com/pati_2020/chipotle-butternut-squash-risotto/
C. H. Rat
Dec 15
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?
Pati Jinich
Dec 20
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.!
Hortensia Castellanos
Nov 26
I made the drink. I used white rum it was so delicious.
Pati Jinich
Nov 27
Yay!
Dan
Nov 18
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.
Pati Jinich
Nov 19
Great addition, Dan!
Diane
Nov 07
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!!
Pati Jinich
Nov 12
💕
Sonya Gonzales Isom
Nov 06
I am so excited to try this recipe. Thank you for what looks like such an easy tasty drink for the holidays.
Pati Jinich
Nov 07
Have fun making the torito, Sonya!
Luis
Nov 05
Hola Pati, im going try it for the holidays
thank you so much Luis.
Pati Jinich
Nov 11
Have a wonderful holiday season, Luis!
RitaJean
Nov 03
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
Pati Jinich
Nov 05
Enjoy the test run, RitaJean!
Leocadio Alvarez
Nov 03
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.
Pati Jinich
Nov 05
Have a great holiday season, Leocadio!
Joseph
Nov 01
I can’t wait. I’m making this tomorrow…”testing” before our family Thanksgiving!
Pati Jinich
Nov 02
Recipe testing is always important 😉.
Hortensia Castellanos
Nov 01
I have a question if you don’t have tequila can you use another liquor .
Pati Jinich
Nov 02
Sure…or you can also make it without any alcohol, Hortensia.
Miguel
Nov 01
OMG Pumpkin and tequila are two of my faves👍This is like Thanksgiving and Christmas in a drink! Can’t wait!
Pati Jinich
Nov 02
Enjoy the holidays, Miguel!
Dan
Nov 01
I’ll try it minus the Alcohol
Pati Jinich
Nov 02
Go for it, Dan!
Rosa Sousa
Nov 01
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 !
Pati Jinich
Nov 02
Thank you so much, Rosa!
Mari
Nov 01
It sound good I am go to try it for thanksgiving.
Pati Jinich
Nov 02
Super! Happy Thanksgiving, Mari.
Cathy Aleman
Nov 01
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
Pati Jinich
Nov 02
You can leave it, Cathy, and it will still be yum.
Richard
Nov 01
Wow,great flavored drink 👍
Pati Jinich
Nov 02
Thank you, Richard!
Gayle Prochko
Nov 01
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
Pati Jinich
Nov 02
I hope the whole family loves the Torito, Gayle.
Gloria Corkill
Nov 01
I love your recipes. I’m making this for guests on Thanksgiving FOR SURE. Thank you very much.
Pati Jinich
Nov 02
I hope your guests love it, Gloria!
Jill
Nov 01
This sounds amazing! I’ll give it a whirl!
Pati Jinich
Nov 02
Awesome!
Pat
Nov 01
My delicious party .
Pati Jinich
Nov 02
Gracias, Pat!
Marlen Aquino
Nov 01
This recipe sounds amazing!! I definitely have to try it. Thank you
Pati Jinich
Nov 02
Enjoy it, Marlen!
Jesse
Nov 01
I don’t drink alcohol. What this be like without alcohol? Could a non-alcoholic beverage be substituted?
Pati Jinich
Nov 02
You can leave out the tequila, and enjoy it, Jesse!
Davene Yeck
Nov 01
Yum yum!!! Looking forward to new book Davene
Pati Jinich
Nov 02
Can’t wait to share it with everyone!
Anirudh
Oct 31
Is there a version of this without adding any vegetable purée? Just plain?
Pati Jinich
Nov 02
Here you go: https://patijinich.com/pati_2020/toritos-peanut-and-vanilla-aperitif/
Carol Davis
Oct 31
Oh my Pati, I must try this…it looks so good! Thank you!
Pati Jinich
Nov 02
Thank YOU for giving it a try, Carol!
Lynn R.
Oct 31
Can a Torito be non-alcoholic? If so, what would you recommend?
Pati Jinich
Nov 02
Yes! You can simply leave out the alcohol and enjoy, Lynn!
Bonnie Bohnert
Oct 31
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!!
Pati Jinich
Oct 31
Thank you for always tuning in, Bonnie!
Jacki
Oct 31
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
Pati Jinich
Oct 31
Here you go, Jacki: https://patijinich.com/pati_2020/toritos-peanut-and-vanilla-aperitif/
Ari
Oct 31
You can also substitute with Mamey, Guanavana or Nanche.
M. McGuire
Oct 31
Pati, you may just have begun a new drink tradition for our family’s Thanksgiving libation! Sounds delicioso!
Pati Jinich
Oct 31
Yay!