AMexikaner (lit. 'Mexican') is amixed shot made from a clear liquor (traditionallykorn, but sometimesvodka ortequila are used),tomato juice,sangrita,Tabasco sauce,salt andblack pepper. The recipe is similar to aBloody Mary, but is more heavily spiced and typically served as a shot.
Despite its name, theMexikaner is a German invention and unknown in Mexico.[1]
The drink originates fromHamburg, Germany, where the barkeeper Mike Coloni first served it in 1987 at his barSteppenwolf inSt. Pauli. The recipe was improvised to cover up the flavor of a cheapfruit spirit he had accidentally purchased instead ofkorn, a traditional clear grain spirit.[2] Coloni was satisfied with the result and, after finishing the fruit spirit, continued offering it on his menu, made from korn instead. The name is a reference to the spicy flavor, which a patron found reminiscent of Mexico.[2] Although Coloni did not enjoy the drink himself, theMexikaner – which was sold for only 99Pfennig (equivalent to €0.93 in 2021) – was a hit with his guests.[2] Other bars in St. Pauli soon began offering their ownMexikaner, and the drink became a hit and object of "local pride".[3][4][5] Coloni revealed his original recipe in 2008 after his bar closed.
Although it is most commonly found in Hamburg, the shot is now available in many other cities in Germany. It is more commonly associated withdive bars and local neighborhood pubs, but can be occasionally found in more upscale establishments.[6]
The original recipe from the Hamburg barSteppenwolf consists of 0.7 litres ofKorn, 1.5 litres oftomato juice and 0.7 litres ofTaki Taki orsangrita;[2] another source gives the recipe as 0.7 litres of Korn, 2.1 litres of tomato juice and 0.5 litres ofTaki Taki.[4] This mixture is combined with one heapingtablespoon each of salt and black pepper, and 30 ml ofTabasco sauce. It is prepared in advance and served cold, without ice, in a shot glass.
Like many cocktails, a number of different recipes exist. In some variations, vodka, tequila, or mezcal are used; lemon or lime juice may be present; other spices such aschili powder orcoriander, or other herbs.[4] It has been described as a "spicy smoothie", which is "open to endless experimentation."[4] Pre-mixed versions are also available in retail.
In comparison to other shots, aMexikaner does not contain much alcohol. Depending on the recipe and strength of the korn, aMexikaner contains about 6-9%alcohol by volume. Onebartender indicated that the vitamins and electrolytes, along with its low alcohol content, make theMexikaner unsuitable for those seeking to become intoxicated.[6]
Das Rezept für den Mexikaner wurde vor dreißig Jahren auf St. Pauli erfunden. Er vereint drei Dinge, die St. Pauli stark repräsentieren: Saufen, Politik und einen gewissen 'Lokalpatriotismus'.