The Flying Clay Pot from Jalisco

In my previous post, I mentioned seeing a drink called “La cazuela voladora” – The Flying Clay Pot, during my visit to San Pedro Tlaquepaque; it is a bubbly preparation in which tequila and a variety of citrus flavours conflate, popular in all of the Mexican state of Jalisco.  The photo below, shows a poster from “Paco’s”, a local restaurant, depicting their signature giant version of the drink, and the legend behind it:

It reads: “This beverage, called flying clay pot, originated in La Barca, Jalisco, a town in the East side of the state, near the Chapala Lake shores and the estuary of the Lerma river.  We adopted it as our house drink, served in a clay pot, to honour our beloved municipality of San Pedro Tlaquepaque, “Tlalipac” – “place amongst clay hills.”  Due to its delicious taste, saturated with citrusy flavours, the tequila in it might not be perceived as very strong, so it is advised to drink in moderation.  This beverage has been the delight of tourists, domestic and foreign alike, and many of our visitors continue to prepare it on their own, adopting it as a memorable beverage, and representative of Paco’s Restaurant & Bar to the world.”

Back in Canada, I decided to follow the restaurant’s advice and try preparing one at home, but in a more manageable size.

Flying Clay Pot – Cazuela Voladora

Printable recipe: Flying Clay Pot

Ingredients (for 2-3 cups)

1-2 oz (2-4 tbsp) tequila
2 oranges
1 lime
1 grapefruit
1 sweet lime (lima in Spanish, or 1 lemon if not available)
½ cup citrus flavoured soda (such as Squirt™ or Fresca™)
½ cup carbonated water
3 ice cubes, or more, to taste

The ideal way to serve this beverage is – of course – in a wide-mouthed clay pot or bowl:

If not available, use a large soup or cereal bowl.  Wash and dry all the fruit, then cut in halves. Slice one half of each the grapefruit, the lime, the lemon and one of the oranges into rounds, then cut grapefruit slices into quarters, and orange slices in half:

Place ice in the bowl, then pour tequila on top (photo below, left); squeeze juice from the three halves of orange and one half lime left (photo below, right):

Arrange sliced fruit to show off all the different colours and shapes, then pour soda (photo below, left)*; top with carbonated water, trying to pour from a high point to aerate and create extra bubbles in the drink (photo below, right):

Serve right away:

Add one straw for a personal drink, or more if feeling gregarious.  I set two reusable straws, to share with my husband, but if you have discontinued straws**, drink directly from the bowl (and should you spill any, it means it is time to stop drinking, LOL.)  Eating the fruit from the bowl is also acceptable, and delicious ¡Salud!

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* NOTE: There will be one half grapefruit and one half lima (or lemon) leftover; reserve for another use, or add their juice for extra zest.  Alternatively, add these juices and also extra carbonated water (maybe with a touch of sweetener) instead of the citrus soda.

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** NOTE ABOUT STRAWS: I had decided that, once my reusable straws break, I would not buy any more straws at all, but yesterday, at the supermarket, I spotted these plant-based, compostable products:

I am still not sure if I will buy any, since they are single-use, but at least this way I would have control about their disposal and be sure they would not end up in the landfill.

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I am sharing my recipe at Full Plate Thursday #466 withMiz Helen @ Miz Helen’s Country Cottage.

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I am bringing my recipe to Thursday Favourite Things #421 with Marilyn @ Marilyn’s Treats, Bev @ Eclectic Red Barn, Pam @ An Artful Mom, Katherine @ Katherine’s Corner, Amber @ Follow the Yellow Brick Home, Theresa @ Shoestring Elegance and Linda @ Crafts a la Mode.  Thank you so much both to Marilyn, and Bev, for featuring my Spaghetti with Braciole this week!

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I am joining Fiesta Friday #310 with Angie @ Fiesta Friday, co-hosting this week with Diann @ Of Goats and Greens. Special thanks to Angie and Antonia @ Zoale.com for featuring my heirloom Spaguetti and Brachiole!

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I am sharing my recipe at What’s for Dinner? Sunday Link-Up # 235 with Helen @ The Lazy Gastronome.