Canela Pumpkin Torito

vanillacinnamoncocktail

Canela Pumpkin Torito

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 Tortito

Canela Pumpkin Torito

Torito de Calabaza y Canela

Recipe Yield

6 servings

Cooking time

5 minutes

Rate this recipe

4 from 6 votes

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

117comments inCanela Pumpkin Torito

  1. Sandra

    Dec 09

    Dear Pati, love your recipes! May you continue to enjoy success!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 02

      Muchas gracias Sandra!

  2. Zaida g.

    Jan 20

    Me gustan todas las receta de pati.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 22

      Muchisimas gracias Zaida, un abrazo!

  3. Anonymous

    Dec 21

    All look DELICIOUS

    1. Pati Jinich

      Dec 26

      🙂

  4. Gina

    Dec 15

    Dear Pati:
    I have a question: the pumpkin pure in the torito recipe; do you use the canned or you make it with fresh pumpkin?
    Needless to say I totally love your program, food and how your children participate in the preparation of dishes.
    Me encanta ver como haces tantas delicias Mexicanas!!! Gracias por compartir recetas😋

    1. Pati Jinich

      Dec 26

      Gracias a ti por seguir el programa y las recetas Gina! You could use canned pumpkin puree, no problem at all!

  5. Patricia C

    Nov 08

    Hola Pati
    What can replace the pumpkin?
    Haven’t tried this recipe yet , I do plan on it but would like to know what other can substitute the pumpkin.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 04

      You could use peanut butter Patricia, here another option for you: http://patijinich.com/toritos-peanut-and-vanilla-aperitif/

  6. Susan

    Jul 09

    Sounds delicious. Reminds me of a coqui from Puerto Rico except without the purée

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jul 21

      Enjoy it Susan, gracias!

  7. GUADALUPE

    May 12

    Que bello!! I love that you were welcomed by these beautiful people. The Adobe looked so delicious!! But more so, I loved how embracing the ambiance was. Pues es que somos buena gente con buenos corazones.

    1. Pati Jinich

      May 23

      Asi es Guadalupe, I had a great time. Un abrazo!

  8. 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?

    1. 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 🙂

  9. 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!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Oct 22

      Yay! Now that you guys know you like Toritos, maybe you can try this one as well, enjoy! http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/toritos-peanut-and-vanilla-aperitif/

  10. 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.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Oct 07

      Thank you SO much Iris, hope you like the Show and the Torito 😉

  11. 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?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jul 26

      Any milk you prefer is good Ana, I would personally recommend coconut to go nicely with the canela. Enjoy!

  12. Anonymous

    Jul 25

    It looks very tasty. Will give it a try.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jul 26

      Yay, hope you’ll like it!

  13. 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😋

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jul 26

      Glad you liked it Kris!

  14. Danielle

    Jul 24

    Can’t wait to try this recipe! Love, love,love your shows !!

    1. 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!

  15. Penny

    Jul 24

    This looks so good for the holidays, especially since it can be made with or without alcohol 😊

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jul 26

      Absolutely Penny, good for the kiddos as well!

  16. 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!

    1. 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!

  17. 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

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jul 04

      Of course Jeanne, go for it, have fun!

  18. 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

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jun 21

      Gracias Sandra, I appreciate your kind words!

  19. 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!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jun 20

      Thanks a lot Mary! Stay tuned as the new season will premiere this Fall 😉

  20. Frank

    Jun 09

    So good delicious 😋

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jun 10

      Thanks Frank!

  21. 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?

    1. 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?

      1. 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.

        1. 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: http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/tamales-coloraditos/

  22. Donna A

    Apr 21

    Pati, love you!!! Where is the drink recipe with the milk and rice?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Apr 27

      Hi Donna, are you talking about Horchata? Here you go, enjoy! http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/homemade-horchata/

  23. Nikki M

    Apr 10

    Love the series, i watch on PBS. You need to offer more products for sale on your site.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Apr 19

      Thanks for tuning in Nikki and for your suggestion 😉 Stay strong and healthy in this difficult time.

  24. Cynthia Caldwell

    Apr 04

    I am completely obsessed with your series. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful recipes.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Apr 06

      Thank you Cynthia 😀 😀

  25. FSnoke

    Jan 29

    Is there a way to make this non alcoholic?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 30

      Great question! Just follow the recipe without adding the tequila 😉 You will have a sweet, refreshing “virgin” torito.

  26. Bigvai Hernandez

    Jan 13

    Chef I love watching you on Amazon prime your show is so helpful love you Pati

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 15

      Thank you for watching on Amazon, Bigvai!

    2. Diane

      Jul 02

      Great show! Diane

      1. Pati Jinich

        Jul 04

        Thanks Diane!

  27. JUDY A PODOLAK

    Dec 28

    Please send resepie for butternut squash resotto

  28. 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?

    1. 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.!

  29. Hortensia Castellanos

    Nov 26

    I made the drink. I used white rum it was so delicious.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 27

      Yay!

  30. 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.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 19

      Great addition, Dan!

  31. 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!!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 12

      💕

  32. 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.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 07

      Have fun making the torito, Sonya!

  33. Luis

    Nov 05

    Hola Pati, im going try it for the holidays
    thank you so much Luis.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 11

      Have a wonderful holiday season, Luis!

  34. 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

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 05

      Enjoy the test run, RitaJean!

  35. 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.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 05

      Have a great holiday season, Leocadio!

  36. Joseph

    Nov 01

    I can’t wait. I’m making this tomorrow…”testing” before our family Thanksgiving!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 02

      Recipe testing is always important 😉.

  37. Hortensia Castellanos

    Nov 01

    I have a question if you don’t have tequila can you use another liquor .

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 02

      Sure…or you can also make it without any alcohol, Hortensia.

  38. Miguel

    Nov 01

    OMG Pumpkin and tequila are two of my faves👍This is like Thanksgiving and Christmas in a drink! Can’t wait!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 02

      Enjoy the holidays, Miguel!

  39. Dan

    Nov 01

    I’ll try it minus the Alcohol

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 02

      Go for it, Dan!

  40. 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 !

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 02

      Thank you so much, Rosa!

  41. Mari

    Nov 01

    It sound good I am go to try it for thanksgiving.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 02

      Super! Happy Thanksgiving, Mari.

  42. 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

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 02

      You can leave it, Cathy, and it will still be yum.

  43. Richard

    Nov 01

    Wow,great flavored drink 👍

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 02

      Thank you, Richard!

  44. 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

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 02

      I hope the whole family loves the Torito, Gayle.

  45. Gloria Corkill

    Nov 01

    I love your recipes. I’m making this for guests on Thanksgiving FOR SURE. Thank you very much.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 02

      I hope your guests love it, Gloria!

  46. Jill

    Nov 01

    This sounds amazing! I’ll give it a whirl!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 02

      Awesome!

  47. Pat

    Nov 01

    My delicious party .

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 02

      Gracias, Pat!

  48. Marlen Aquino

    Nov 01

    This recipe sounds amazing!! I definitely have to try it. Thank you

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 02

      Enjoy it, Marlen!

  49. Jesse

    Nov 01

    I don’t drink alcohol. What this be like without alcohol? Could a non-alcoholic beverage be substituted?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 02

      You can leave out the tequila, and enjoy it, Jesse!

  50. Davene Yeck

    Nov 01

    Yum yum!!! Looking forward to new book Davene

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 02

      Can’t wait to share it with everyone!

  51. Anirudh

    Oct 31

    Is there a version of this without adding any vegetable purée? Just plain?

  52. Carol Davis

    Oct 31

    Oh my Pati, I must try this…it looks so good! Thank you!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 02

      Thank YOU for giving it a try, Carol!

  53. Lynn R.

    Oct 31

    Can a Torito be non-alcoholic? If so, what would you recommend?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 02

      Yes! You can simply leave out the alcohol and enjoy, Lynn!

  54. 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!!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Oct 31

      Thank you for always tuning in, Bonnie!

  55. 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

      1. Ari

        Oct 31

        You can also substitute with Mamey, Guanavana or Nanche.

  56. M. McGuire

    Oct 31

    Pati, you may just have begun a new drink tradition for our family’s Thanksgiving libation! Sounds delicioso!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Oct 31

      Yay!

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