Add Cacique Guaro, Costa Rica’s most famous liquor, to tabasco, citrus and tomato juice, put it in a salted shot glass, and what do you get?  Chiliguaro!  This famous shot, now also famous in a pitcher, has become a signature drink of Costa Rica – a fiery little nip that’s meant to be drunk fast, and paced slow.  

Cacique Guaro, a pure sugarcane-based liquor, comes in a distinctive red bottle, and while it packs a distinctive punch, its flavor is very subtle, often described as neutral or slightly sweet. If you can’t find it in the States, you can easily substitute vodka (or even white rum or tequila) and still enjoy this Costa Rican treasure.

The best way to make a Chiliguaro is argued far and wide, and they can be concocted one at a time or by the pitcher. Here’s how to whip up a batch of them, and a shot too. We like our options!

Ingredients for a pitcher:
¾ cup Guaro Cacique (or clear liquor of your choosing)
3 cups tomato juice
½ cup lemon juice
3 tsp Tabasco
A few pinches of salt

Make it:
Mix all ingredients in a large pitcher. Stir well. Salt the rim of a shot glass, garnish with a slice of citrus – and fire away!

Ingredients for a shot:
1 oz  Cacique-Guaro (or vodka)
Lime wedge
2-3 dashes of Tabasco
Pinch of salt

Make it:
Mix it all together, and toss that baby back!