El Diablo

The El Diablo is a refreshing and surprisingly complex cocktail that perfectly balances the earthy notes of tequila with the sweet, dark berry flavor of crème de cassis. The addition of fresh lime juice provides a bright, citrusy counterpoint, while the ginger beer tops it off with a spicy, effervescent kick. It is an accessible yet sophisticated drink, proving that tequila cocktails offer more variety than just Margaritas.
El Diablo

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The El Diablo is a classic cocktail, celebrated for its unique and refreshing flavor profile. It falls into the category of long drinks or highballs, typically served over ice in a tall glass. Its simple construction and balanced taste make it a staple in the world of tequila cocktails.

Serving

The El Diablo is a cold, refreshing highball drink served in a tall glass over plenty of ice. Its alcohol content is moderate, making it a pleasantly sessionable cocktail.
Serving size
Approximately 200-240 ml / 7-8 oz
Alcohol content
Around 12-16% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The El Diablo's first known appearance in print was in "Trader Vic's Book of Food and Drink" in 1946. Created by Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron, a pioneer of tiki culture, the drink was originally called the "Mexican El Diablo." Despite its tiki origins, its flavor profile is more universally appealing, combining French liqueur with Mexican spirit and a spicy mixer.
Origin
Created by Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron in the United States, first published in 1946.

El Diablo

"El Diablo" translates from Spanish to "The Devil," which is its most common alternative name. It was originally called the "Mexican Diablo" by its creator to emphasize its tequila base. The name reflects its fiery ginger kick and reddish hue.
Original name
El Diablo
Alternative names
  • The Devil
  • Mexican Diablo

Characteristics overview

This cocktail offers a vibrant blend of spicy ginger and sweet blackcurrant, with an earthy agave base and a sharp citrus aroma. Its appearance is a beautiful reddish-pink, and the texture is light and bubbly from the ginger beer.
Flavor
Spicy, fruity, earthy, citrusy, sweet, tart
Aroma
Ginger, lime, agave, blackcurrant
Taste balance
Sweet, sour, spicy
Aftertaste
Clean, warming, ginger spice
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent
Color appearance
Deep pink to reddish-purple, translucent
Texture
Light, crisp, fizzy
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, all-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is a balanced dance between sweet fruitiness from cassis, tartness from lime, and a noticeable spicy kick from the ginger beer. The alcohol strength is present but not overpowering, and carbonation adds a refreshing lift.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This drink requires four key ingredients: a good reposado tequila as the base, crème de cassis for fruity sweetness, fresh lime juice for acidity, and spicy ginger beer to top it all off.
  • Reposado Tequila45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A 100% agave reposado tequila is recommended for its smooth, slightly aged character which complements the other ingredients. Blanco tequila can also be used for a crisper taste.
  • Crème de Cassis15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A high-quality crème de cassis will provide a rich, authentic blackcurrant flavor.
  • Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the best flavor.
  • Ginger Beer90-120 ml / 3-4 oz (to top)
    Choose a good quality, spicy ginger beer rather than a sweeter ginger ale. Most are gluten-free, but check the label if necessary.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker to combine and chill the tequila, cassis, and lime juice. A jigger is also essential for measuring the ingredients accurately.
  • Cocktail shaker - for chilling and combining the base ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool - for accurate measurements.

Instructions

The method involves shaking the tequila, cassis, and lime juice with ice, straining it into an ice-filled highball glass, and then topping it with ginger beer. A final garnish of lime completes the drink.
1. Fill a highball glass with cubed ice to chill it.
2. Add the tequila, crème de cassis, and fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
3. Shake well for about 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
4. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the ice-filled highball glass.
5. Top the drink with ginger beer.
6. Gently stir once to combine.
7. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel.

Garnishing

A simple lime wedge or wheel is the classic garnish, enhancing the citrus aroma. For a more decorative touch, a fresh blackberry can be added.
  • Lime wedge or wheel - placed on the rim or dropped into the drink.
  • Blackberry (optional) - dropped into the drink for an extra touch.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets and is typically gluten-free, provided a gluten-free ginger beer is used.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

Per serving, this cocktail contains a moderate amount of calories, carbohydrates, and sugar, primarily from the crème de cassis and ginger beer.
Calories
Approximately 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 15-20 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 14-18 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This refreshing highball is perfect for warm weather occasions like summer parties, barbecues, and casual get-togethers. Its easy-drinking nature also makes it an excellent choice for a happy hour cocktail.
  • Summer party
  • Casual get-together
  • Barbecue
  • Happy hour

Pairing suggestions

The El Diablo's spicy and fruity notes pair excellently with Mexican and Latin American cuisine, such as spicy tacos or fresh ceviche. It also complements grilled meats and light appetizers, making it a versatile choice for various meals.
  • Spicy tacos
  • Grilled chicken or fish
  • Ceviche
  • Light appetizers

El Diablo: A Devilishly Delicious Tequila Classic

The El Diablo is a delightfully refreshing highball that masterfully blends the earthy spice of tequila with the rich sweetness of blackcurrant liqueur. Created by tiki legend Trader Vic, it is a simple yet elegant drink that is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The addition of fresh lime and spicy ginger beer creates a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy, making it an ideal cocktail for any occasion, especially in warmer weather.

Similar cocktails

Moscow Mule

A similar highball made with vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer. It lacks the fruity element of cassis.

Dark 'n' Stormy

Another ginger beer highball, but it uses dark rum as the base spirit instead of tequila.

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