We’re kicking off a new section on LAIY dedicated to cocktails in Los Angeles that not only define a place but demand that you drink them. They are unique, they are classic, and they are good–and, we’ll share insight into how to make the drink yourself.

El Chavo is such a nice Silver Lake Mexican restaurant and bar that often gets overlooked in the shadow of Malo and even Casita Del Campo. The spot is a cute little, red lit restaurant with a back patio and absolutely adorable little hotel many people don’t even know about. The bar–El Chavito–is known for their fun crowd and frequent specials, like $2 tacos on Wednesdays and occasional Monday Loteria bingo. You usually grab a margarita there, as you should, but one thing you need to try next time is their truly crazy triple shot: The Bandera Shot.

The Bandera Shot is a “One shot, two shot, three shot, MORE!” kind of shot, one that travels from tart to bitter to spicy, existing somewhere in between a margarita and a michelada. When it’s poured, you’ll definitely feel a little anxiety because it kind of sounds gross: it sounds like something that would instantly spark an alcohol driven vomit, which is not what you want when enjoying a cocktail with friends. We tried this shot for the first time last Summer at the end of a long day of day drinking. When we got to the bar and sat next to the chalkboard, we noticed a drink called the “Bandera Shot” at the bottom of the menu and were so intrigued. Thus, we got up, ordered it, and went from the tart and limey, margita-mix like shot to the stiff, silver tequila shot to the bright red, spicy, and thick tomato juice shot. It’s a big shot to take and stands as the most Mexican alcoholic beverage ever, a combination of the flavors you are all too familiar with and symbolizing the Mexican flag by way of each shots’ color.

It is surprisingly good, too. You may think you have an idea of what it tastes like but it’s one of those drinks you just have to try yourself in order to understand it. Thus, below are directions for making a Bandera Shot. But, really, you have to do it at El Chavito. It’s the most authentic way to drink it!

The Bandera Shot

Green Shot
• 3/4 Shot of juice from a lime(s)
• Splash or two of juice from an orange
* Optional: Splash of Triple Sec instead of juice of an orange

White Shot
• One shot of silver tequila (Recommended: Patron Silver, 1800 Tequila Silver, or Espolon Silver Tequila)

Red Shot
• 2/3 Shot of tomato juice
• 3 Dashes of Tabasco Sauce, Tapatío, or any other hot sauce.
• 1 Dash Worcester Sauce
• Pinch of pepper
• Pinch of salt
• Splash of lime juice

Directions
1. Fill three equal sized shots with each of the above contents.
2. Shoot each shot, one after the other, from Green to White to Red.
3. Repeat with friends until you feel you are having *too* much fun.

Top photo via. Recipe loosely based off of.