Flor de Jalisco

The Flor de Jalisco is a modern classic cocktail that beautifully balances the earthy notes of blanco tequila with the bittersweet character of Aperol and the bright, zesty sweetness of grapefruit liqueur. Fresh lime juice adds a sharp, acidic backbone, creating a refreshingly complex and beautifully blush-colored drink. It's an elegant and sophisticated take on a tequila sour, perfect for those who enjoy drinks like the Siesta or the Naked and Famous.
Flor de Jalisco

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Flor de Jalisco is classified as a cocktail, specifically belonging to the "Modern Classic" category. This designation is for contemporary drinks created in the late 20th or early 21st century that have gained widespread recognition and adoption in the cocktail community for their quality and balance.

Serving

This cocktail is served "straight up" (without ice) in a pre-chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. It has a moderate alcohol content, making it a pleasant and refreshing sipper.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-24% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Created by renowned bartender Erick Castro at his bar Polite Provisions in San Diego, California, around 2013. The drink was designed to be a bright, refreshing, and accessible tequila cocktail that showcased the spirit in a nuanced way. It quickly gained popularity within the craft cocktail community for its balanced and delicious profile, becoming a staple on modern cocktail menus.
Origin
San Diego, USA, circa 2013.

Flor de Jalisco

The name "Flor de Jalisco" translates directly from Spanish to "Flower of Jalisco." This name is a nod to both the cocktail's tequila base, as Jalisco is the primary tequila-producing state in Mexico, and its bright, floral, and citrus-forward flavor profile. It is sometimes referred to by its English translation, Jalisco Flower.
Original name
Flor de Jalisco
Alternative names
  • Jalisco Flower
  • Flower of Jalisco

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a bright, citrus-forward flavor profile dominated by grapefruit and lime, with a pleasant bittersweet backbone from Aperol. It has a smooth texture and a clean, refreshing finish, making it feel very summery and vibrant.
Flavor
Citrusy, bittersweet, grapefruit, agave, herbal, slightly sweet
Aroma
Grapefruit zest, orange, agave, fresh lime
Taste balance
Sour, bitter, sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, bittersweet, lingering citrus
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pinkish-orange, blush, clear
Texture
Smooth, silky
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink's flavor is a well-balanced interplay of fruitiness, sourness, and bitterness, with a moderate alcohol presence. It is completely still and not at all creamy or spicy.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires a blanco tequila as its base, complemented by the bittersweet Aperol, a sweet grapefruit liqueur, and fresh lime juice. A touch of agave syrup can be added to balance the sweetness if needed.
  • Blanco Tequila45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A 100% agave blanco tequila is recommended for a clean, crisp agave flavor.
  • Aperol22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Provides the drink's signature bittersweet orange and rhubarb notes.
  • Crème de Pamplemousse15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A grapefruit liqueur. Giffard Crème de Pamplemousse Rose is commonly used.
  • Lime Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
  • Agave Syrup5 ml / 1 teaspoon(optional)
    Optional, to adjust sweetness depending on the pamplemousse liqueur and personal preference.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set to mix and chill the ingredients. A fine-mesh strainer is recommended for double straining to achieve a smooth, ice-chip-free texture.
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Hawthorne strainer
  • Fine-mesh strainer

Instructions

The preparation method is straightforward: chill a glass, shake all ingredients with plenty of ice, and then double strain the mixture into the glass. A final garnish of a grapefruit twist completes the drink.
1. Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water.
2. Add all ingredients (tequila, Aperol, crème de pamplemousse, lime juice, and optional agave syrup) to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
5. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double strain the cocktail from the shaker into the chilled glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer.
7. Express the oils from a grapefruit twist over the surface of the drink.
8. Garnish with the grapefruit twist and serve immediately.

Garnishing

The drink is typically garnished with a grapefruit twist. This is not just for looks; expressing the oils from the peel over the drink adds a beautiful aromatic dimension that complements the cocktail's flavors.
  • Grapefruit twist: Use a vegetable peeler to cut a strip of peel from a fresh grapefruit, express the oils over the drink, and drop it in or place it on the rim.

Dietary Information

This is an alcoholic beverage that is naturally free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It is generally gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian, but it's always wise to check individual liqueur labels for specific dietary concerns.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and liqueurs. The carbohydrate and sugar content are relatively low for a cocktail, coming from the liqueurs and any added syrup.
Calories
Averagely 190-220 kcal / 795-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-15 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 11-14 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif to stimulate the palate or for a sunny afternoon happy hour. Its refreshing nature also makes it an excellent choice for summer gatherings and sophisticated cocktail parties.
  • Aperitif
  • Happy Hour
  • Summer Party
  • Cocktail Party

Pairing suggestions

The Flor de Jalisco's bright, citrusy, and bittersweet profile pairs wonderfully with light, fresh foods, particularly those with a Latin American influence. It cuts through the richness of guacamole and complements the clean flavors of seafood like ceviche or fish tacos. It is also excellent with a variety of salty snacks and light appetizers.
  • Ceviche
  • Fish tacos
  • Guacamole and chips
  • Light appetizers

Flor de Jalisco: The Vibrant Flower of Tequila Cocktails

The Flor de Jalisco is a sophisticated and refreshing modern classic cocktail created by Erick Castro. It beautifully marries the earthy notes of blanco tequila with the bittersweet orange of Aperol and the luscious sweetness of grapefruit liqueur, all balanced by fresh lime. Served up in a coupe glass with a grapefruit twist, it is an elegant, blush-colored sipper. It is perfect for any occasion that calls for a bright and flavorful drink that is a step beyond a simple Margarita.

Similar Cocktails

Siesta

Uses Campari instead of Aperol and simple syrup, making it slightly more bitter.

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