When folks reminisce about classic tequila cocktails, the Margarita and maybe the Paloma often steal the spotlight. Yet, the El Diablo deserves its moment in the sun. This timeless gem from the mid-century pairs tequila with crème de cassis, lime juice, and ginger.
Originally dubbed the Mexican El Diablo, this drink made its debut in Trader Vic’s Book of Food and Drink in 1946, credited to the illustrious Trader Vic himself. Subsequent renditions shortened the name to El Diablo. While the initial recipe called for ginger ale, today’s palate favors the bolder kick of ginger beer, reminiscent of the spicier ginger ales from yesteryears.
Intrigued by its unique blend of flavors, cocktail enthusiasts should give the El Diablo a try, savoring its rich history and taste that sets it apart from its more renowned counterparts.
El Diablo Cocktail Ingredients
Before we delve into the recipe, let’s acquaint ourselves with the key ingredients that define the El Diablo Cocktail:
- Tequila (60 ml / 2 ounces): The heart of the El Diablo lies in the choice of tequila.
- Creme de Cassis (15 ml / 0.5 ounce): This blackcurrant liqueur adds a rich and sweet element to the El Diablo.
- Fresh Lime Juice (15 ml / 0.5 ounce): Freshly squeezed lime juice contributes a bright acidity that balances the sweetness of the creme de cassis.
- Ginger Beer (Top-up): The sparkling of ginger beer provides a lively kick and effervescence to the El Diablo.t.
El Diablo Cocktail Recipe
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Ingredients
- Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools: a cocktail shaker, a jigger for precise measurements, and a Collins glass. Also, have your tequila, creme de cassis, fresh lime, and ginger beer ready.
Step 2: Measure and Add Tequila
- In a shaker, measure 60 ml (2 ounces) of your chosen tequila. Pour the tequila into the shaker, setting the stage for the cocktail’s agave-forward foundation.
Step 3: Add Creme de Cassis
- Measure 15 ml (0.5 ounce) of creme de cassis and add it to the shaker with the tequila. The rich and sweet character of creme de cassis is a key element in defining the El Diablo’s flavor profile.
Step 4: Squeeze Fresh Lime Juice
- Measure 15 ml (0.5 ounce) of fresh lime juice. Use a citrus juicer to extract the juice from fresh limes, ensuring a vibrant and zesty flavor profile.
Step 5: Shake with Ice
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. Shaking chills the mixture and ensures proper dilution, creating a well-balanced cocktail.
Step 6: Strain into a Collins Glass
- Strain the shaken mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice. The use of a Collins glass provides ample space for the effervescence that will come from the ginger beer.
Step 7: Top with Ginger Beer
- Top up the cocktail with ginger beer. The effervescence of the ginger beer not only adds a lively kick but also transforms the El Diablo into a refreshing and invigorating beverage.
Step 8: Garnish with a Lime Wheel
- Garnish the El Diablo with a lime wheel on the rim of the glass. This not only adds a visual touch but also enhances the citrus aroma of the cocktail.
El Diablo Cocktail: A Legacy of Flavor and Charm
The El Diablo presents a crucial decision beyond just the choice of ginger ale or ginger beer. You can either shake all the ingredients with ice and strain into a glass, resulting in a captivating reddish-purple cocktail.
Alternatively, you can assemble the drink directly in the glass, starting with tequila and lime, then adding ginger beer, and finally topping it off with a float of cassis for a visually stunning presentation. This method creates a beautiful cocktail with a vibrant halo on top, gradually blending into the drink.
In modern variations, fresh ginger syrup is sometimes used instead of ginger beer, paired with sparkling water to avoid overwhelming the ginger flavor. With these options at hand, each resulting in a delightful drink, feel free to experiment and customize the El Diablo to suit your taste preferences.
Here’s to the art of making the best tequila cocktails and the lasting magic of the El Diablo!
