Salsa Borracha Recipe

Mexican cuisine is known for bold flavors and vibrant salsas, but few have as much character as salsa borracha, or “drunken salsa.” Traditionally made with beer or pulque, this smoky and spicy sauce is the perfect companion for grilled meats, tacos, or even as a dip with warm tortillas.

Its name might sound playful, but salsa borracha is serious about flavor. The combination of dried chilies, roasted tomatoes, garlic, and beer creates a depth that’s earthy, slightly tangy, and irresistibly rich. Once you try it, it might just become your go-to salsa for weekend cookouts.

Recipe: Salsa Borracha

Description:
A smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy Mexican salsa made with dried chilies, roasted tomatoes, garlic, and a splash of beer.

1. Prep Time: 10 minutes

2. Cook Time: 15 minutes

3. Total Time: 25 minutes

4. Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 5 dried pasilla or ancho chilies (stemmed and seeded)

• 2 medium tomatoes (roasted or charred)

• 2 garlic cloves (roasted)

• 1/2 medium white onion (roasted)

• 1/2 cup Mexican beer (or substitute with light lager)

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions (Step by Step)

1. Prepare the chilies: Toast the dried chilies lightly on a skillet until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften.

2. Roast vegetables: Place tomatoes, garlic, and onion on a skillet or comal and roast until charred on the outside for a smoky flavor.

3. Blend: Add softened chilies, roasted vegetables, beer, lime juice, salt, and pepper into a blender. Process until smooth.

4. Adjust consistency: If the salsa is too thick, add a little of the chili soaking liquid or more beer to reach your preferred texture.

5. Taste & serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature with tacos, grilled steak, or tortilla chips.

Variations & Alterations

Salsa borracha can be adapted depending on the occasion and your flavor preference:

• Use pulque (a traditional fermented agave drink) instead of beer for an authentic touch.

• Add chipotle peppers for a smokier, spicier version.

• Swap tomatillos for tomatoes for a tangier, green variation.

• Incorporate a small amount of orange juice for sweetness to balance the spice.

A Bold Kick for Every Occasion

Salsa borracha is not just a salsa—it’s an experience. Its smoky layers and slight bitterness from the beer make it stand out from traditional Mexican salsas.

Whether you’re hosting a cookout, serving tacos for dinner, or simply snacking with chips, this salsa guarantees your meal will have that unmistakable punch of Mexican tradition.

» More Mexican Recipes to Try:

If these enchiladas potosinas became a new favorite at home, keep the flavor fiesta going with more recipes from Avocados Cocina Mexicana:

• Sloppy Burrito Recipe

• Artichoke Tacos

• Black Bean and Shrimp Tacos

• Octopus Taco Recipe

• Easy Jalapeño Poppers (Deep-Fried)

Click through and bookmark your favorites so you’ve always got a new Mexican recipe ready to cook next.