Levantamuertos (Raise the Dead)

  • 1 1/2 ounces spiced gin, such as Bombay Sapphire
  • 6 ounces Nueva María Mix (see recipe below), chilled
  • Raw oysters, raw clams, and/or steamed shrimp or other fish bits, chilled, as desired

Nueva Maria Mix

  • 1 (46 ounce) can V-8® juice
  • 2 ounces Spanish dry sherry (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons Pick a Peppa Sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons toasted and ground cumin seeds (see recipe below)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground white pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Combine the gin and the nueva maría mix in a pitcher. Spoon the seafood into the individual shot glasses. Top off with the gin and mix and serve with limes on the side, if you like.

Serves 6

Nueva Maria Mix

Mix all the ingredients in a large pitcher.

  • Makes about 3 quarts

Toasted And Ground Cumin Seeds

Gently warm the seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Once they become aromatic, they are toasted. When they have cooled a bit, grind them in a spice mill (or a clean coffee grinder) or with a mortar and pestle.