📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Tequila
Alcohol 14%
Calories 220 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 18g
Prep time 3 minutes
Are you ready to dive into the world of the El Diablo cocktail? This zesty drink is a lively mix of tangy lime, spicy ginger beer, and the rich depths of tequila, all crowned with a touch of sweet cassis. Join us on a flavor adventure that’s as thrilling as its devilish name suggests! ⬇️
History
El Diablo is a classic cocktail that hails from the mid-20th century. It was first mixed up to showcase tequila’s versatility beyond the margarita. This drink quickly became a hit for its refreshing and unique flavor.
- The name “El Diablo” means “The Devil” in Spanish, hinting at its bold taste.
- It’s believed to have originated from the California bar scene.
- The cocktail gained popularity through Trader Vic’s, a pioneer in Tiki culture.
The taste of El Diablo?
The El Diablo cocktail is a playful dance of sweet and spicy on your tongue. It combines the warm notes of tequila with the sweet blackcurrant of cassis and the sharpness of lime, all fizzed up with ginger beer.
I personally love drinking El Diablos because they’re incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day.
Interesting facts about El Diablo
- El Diablo is part of the long drink category due to its tall serving.
- The cocktail sometimes features a blackcurrant garnish to highlight the cassis.
- It’s often enjoyed during summer months for its refreshing properties.
Ingredients
- Tequila: 1.5 oz (45ml)
- Crème de Cassis: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Fresh Lime Juice: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Ginger Beer: to top up
- Lime Wheel: for garnish
A highball glass is the classic choice for serving an El Diablo. Its tall shape allows the effervescence of the ginger beer to mix beautifully with the other ingredients. A Collins glass could also be a suitable alternative for its similar shape and size.
Recipe. How to make El Diablo
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in 1.5 oz of tequila and 0.5 oz of crème de cassis.
- Add 0.5 oz of fresh lime juice to the mix.
- Top the drink with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wheel on the rim of the glass.
El Diablo, like many cocktails, contains sugar and calories, mainly from the crème de cassis and ginger beer. To make it healthier, you could use natural sweeteners or light ginger beer, but be aware that the tequila itself is a form of alcohol.
Food Pairings
The right food can turn sipping an El Diablo into a full sensory experience. Here are some perfect pairings that complement its spicy-sweet complexity.
Grilled Meats
The smokiness of grilled chicken or pork is beautifully offset by the El Diablo’s sweet heat.
Seafood Tacos
A fresh seafood taco with a squirt of lime is the perfect match for this cocktail’s tangy taste.
Spicy Thai Salads
The crispness of a Thai salad with a spicy dressing harmonizes with the ginger beer’s zing in the El Diablo.
I really love the zippy kick of ginger that sparks through every sip of an El Diablo.
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Bartender Advice
- Always use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor.
- Chill the glass before serving to keep the drink extra refreshing.
- Experiment with different brands of ginger beer to find your ideal level of spice.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic El Diablo, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.
What you could change in El Diablo
- Tequila: Can be swapped for a smoky mezcal for a different layer of flavor.
- Crème de Cassis: Try substituting with blackberry liqueur for a twist.
- Ginger Beer: Use a ginger ale for a milder ginger taste.
El Diablo Variations
Blue Diablo
- Ingredients: Blue curaçao instead of crème de cassis.
- Recipe: Follow the classic recipe, substituting blue curaçao for a vibrant color twist.
Diablo Rojo
- Ingredients: Add a splash of grenadine for a deep red hue.
- Recipe: Pour grenadine after the cassis and before topping with ginger beer.
Diablo Verde
- Ingredients: Substitute crème de cassis with Midori for a melon flavor.
- Recipe: Mix as usual, but use Midori in place of the cassis for a green twist.
For a non-alcoholic ‘Virgin El Diablo’, simply omit the tequila and use a splash of non-alcoholic cassis. Top with ginger beer and garnish with lime for a refreshing mocktail.
Q&A
Can I make a pitcher of El Diablo for a party?
Absolutely, just multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and mix in a large pitcher. Remember to add the ginger beer just before serving to keep it fizzy.
Is there a specific type of tequila I should use?
While any tequila can be used, a blanco or silver tequila typically works best for its clean, crisp flavor that complements the ginger beer and cassis.
What can I use if I don’t have crème de cassis?
Chambord or any blackcurrant liqueur can be a good substitute if you’re out of crème de cassis. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How can I make my El Diablo spicier?
Try adding a few slices of jalapeño to the drink or a dash of hot sauce if you’re up for the heat!
Is El Diablo suitable for all seasons?
While it’s a summertime favorite, its warming ginger notes also make it a cozy choice for cooler months.
Can El Diablo be made in advance?
You can mix the tequila, lime juice, and cassis beforehand, but add the ginger beer right before serving to maintain its effervescence.
