Tired of predictable cocktail recipes that play it safe? It’s time to summon your inner devil with the El Diablo – a devilishly delicious libation that’s about to spice up your drinking game.

El diablo cocktail with lime garnish on a bright orange counter.

Looking for a fruity cocktail with a bite?

Then, you’ll love an El Diablo cocktail! Despite its devious name, this cocktail combines a fruity twist with a bite of tequila.

This captivating concoction blends the fiery kick of tequila with the sweet-tart punch of cassis and the effervescent bite of ginger beer. It’s a flavor symphony that awakens the senses, leaving your taste buds craving more.

We’ve meticulously fine-tuned this recipe to strike the perfect balance, ensuring each sip delivers a mesmerizing dance of flavors.

The El Diablo cocktail is one of the many great tequila cocktails, like a mezcal margarita or pineapple margarita. It’s also a close cousin to a blood orange Paloma and, because of the ginger beer, has a hint of pomegranate Moscow mule.

Watch: 🎥 How to make an El Diablo Drink

What Is an El Diablo Cocktail?

Despite emerging in the mid-19th century on Trader Vic’s menu, a tiki bar founded by Victor Bergeron, the El Diablo cocktail never achieved widespread popularity. It wasn’t until Julie Reiner sold the drink to the Flatiron Lounge in Manhattan, New York City, that the El Diablo cocktail made a comeback.

But we’re here to shine a little light on it. Because we know you’re going to love it.

Side shot of an el diablo drink with a long shadow and lime wedges about for garnish.

What you’ll love about this recipe:

TEQUILA with a TWIST – This cocktail goes beyond your basic tequila beverages, with the earthy flavor of ginger beer, the fruitiness of black currant liqueur, sweet crème de cassis, and a touch of lime. The result is a super-balanced drink perfect for any occasion.
SIMPLE – Making cocktails doesn’t have to be complicated. This simple recipe requires a few basic ingredients and only two steps, so you’ll barely break a sweat.

What You Need to Make an El Diablo Cocktail

Tequila reposado – This type of tequila has a golden hue and has been aged for a minimum of two months up to one year.
Crème de cassis – This fruity liqueur is made with black currants, lending to a dark berry flavor similar to blackberries.
Lime juice – Adds a bit of zingy freshness. Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
Ginger beer – We top the drink off with a splash of ginger beer for a little fizz. Use your favorite ginger beer.

How to Make an El Diablo Cocktail

Fill a tall glass with fresh ice and add the tequila, creme de cassis, and lime juice.
Top with ginger beer, stir gently, and garnish with a lime wedge or lime wheel.

Expert Recipe Tips

Not a fan of ginger beer? Use ginger ale instead. You can also use ginger syrup for a little bit of sweetness.
You can also use a highball glass or Collins glass.
We don’t shake this cocktail, but you could use a cocktail shaker if you want your drink super cold. Just leave out the ginger beer while shaking and then pour it over top of the drink.

How to Serve an El Diablo Cocktail

Since this cocktail is such a well-rounded drink, you can serve it anytime you want a little pick-me-up. It’s perfect whether you’re relaxing outside on your front porch during a hot day or winding down at night.

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This fiery cocktail will bring you up from the depths with its sweet and spicy notes. If you try this recipe, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment down below to help out the next reader!

Prep Time:5

Total Time:5

Equipment

fine mesh strainer
Stirring spoon
alcohol measuring cup
Cocktail glass

Ingredients

1 ½ oz tequila resposado
½ oz créme de cassis
1 oz lime juice
Ginger beer to top

Instructions

Fill a tall glass with ice and add the tequila, creme de cassis and lime juice.
Top with ginger beer, stir gently and garnish with lime wheel.

Video

Servings: 1

Calories: 150kcal

Recipe FAQs

Here’s the breakdown of the different types of tequila:

Blanco Tequila: This type can be un-aged or aged less than 2 months. It’s distilled in stainless steel or neutral oak barrels, lending to its clear but strong agave flavor.
Reposado Tequila: This is aged a step further, between 2 months and up to one year in oak barrels. Aging in oak barrels gives the tequila a slight golden hue and mellows out the flavor.
Tequila Anejo: Oakier and has more pronounced notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. This type of tequila is aged 1 to 3 years in oak barrels, lending to a darker golden hue with a more subtle agave flavor.
Extra Anejo: With its 3-year aging process, this tequila offers a dark amber hue laced with intense notes of oak, caramel, vanilla, and spice.

The bite of the tequila combined with the sweetness from the black currant liqueur, testiness from the lime, and fresh fizz from the ginger beer creates a well-rounded flavor profile. We love serving this drink for those who want something a little fruity without being too sweet.

Yes! If you want more of an agave punch, go with Blanco. If you prefer a more complex flavor profile with oaky, caramel-y, vanilla, and spicy notes, go with anejo or extra anejo.

El Diablo Cocktail