Classic El Diablo Cocktail with Tequila

Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

Versatility: It’s a cocktail that fits multiple occasions, whether you sip one on a hot summer day or make a batch for a Halloween party!

Easy to Make: With just four main ingredients, this drink a simple recipe to whip up at home. 

Unique: The blend of tequila and crème de cassis isn’t commonly found in cocktails, making the El Diablo a standout choice for those looking to try something new.

History and Origin

The El Diablo cocktail has a name that packs a punch; “El Diablo” translates to “the devil” in Spanish. This mixed drink was introduced in the post-World War II era, a time when the cocktail culture was flourishing and people were keen to experiment with new and intriguing mixtures. 

The origins of the El Diablo recipe can be traced back to Victor Bergeron’s 1946 book, “Trader Vic’s Book of Food and Drink.” Originally named “Mexican El Diablo,” the name was later shortened to simply “El Diablo.”

The original cocktail recipe was a blend of tequila, crème de cassis, lime juice, and a fizz of ginger ale. Modern versions use ginger beer for a spicier flavor profile. 

The drink has similar ingredients to the Moscow Mule. It is perfect for all those Mule lovers out there who want to branch out into new cocktails.

Both cocktails employ a similar framework, utilizing a base spirit—tequila for the El Diablo and vodka for the Moscow Mule—along with lime juice and a ginger-flavored effervescent mixer.

Ingredient Notes

Tequila: I use blanco tequila for this cocktail. Sometimes this tequila is called silver tequila.

Crème de cassis: You can find this black currant liqueur at just about any well-stocked liquor store. 

Limes: As with all citrus juice in cocktails, fresh lime juice is always best because it gives a brighter taste than using bottled. 

Quality ginger beer: I recommend Fever Tree or Q Mixers ginger beer – I have used both with great results in the past.

Garnishes: This is optional but is a nice touch. A lime wedge is a good option for a garnish. Black currants are hard to find for garnish so blackberries can make a good garnish as well. Tip: If you freeze the berries in advance, you can use them as ice cubes.  

Methods for Making the Cocktail

There are two ways you can go about making this drink. Both are very easy, but I went for the shaking method, which is a bit more modern. The original recipe’s instructions called for mixing the drink directly in the glass. The latter is perfect for those who don’t own a cocktail shaker. 

Here’s a run-down on each method:

Technique #1: Shaking – The cocktail shaker technique offers a straightforward way to make a well-blended El Diablo. This method not only chills the drink quickly but also helps to integrate the flavors seamlessly, resulting in a more harmonious taste experience.

1. Add the tequila, crème de cassis, and lime juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. 
2. Give it a vigorous shake for about 15-20 seconds to ensure that the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and chilled.
3. Strain the drink into a cocktail glass filled with ice, then top off with ginger beer. 

Technique #2: Build in the cocktail glass – Alternatively, the “built in a glass” method provides an easy, no-fuss approach. This technique is more relaxed and allows for subtle variations in flavor, as the ingredients mingle naturally over time. 

1. In a cocktail glass filled with ice, pour in the tequila, crème de cassis, and lime juice. 
2. Stir the ingredients directly in the glass to mix them. 
3. Once stirred, top off with ginger beer. Give it another stir to combine the ginger beer with the other ingredients.

Expert Tips and Variations

• Use quality ingredients, especially when it comes to your ginger beer. Look for a flavorful, good ginger beer, such as Q Mixers or Fever Tree brands. A higher quality ginger beer will let the ginger flavor come through more for a sweet and spicy kick. 

• Try a flavored or reposado tequila. If you want a spicier drink, opt for a jalapeño infused tequila or if you want a more complex flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel, try a reposado tequila.

• If you opt to stir your drink instead of shaking, make sure to move your spoon up and down as you stir to thoroughly incorporate the ingredients together. 

Serving Ideas for Halloween

Elevate the spook factor of your Halloween gathering with these creative serving tips:

• Try spooky garnishes: Use a “devilish” garnish like two lime wheels or two small red chili “horns” sticking out each side of the glass to add a Halloween touch.

• Festive glassware: Serve the El Diablo in festive glassware to enhance the Halloween atmosphere. Here are a couple of ideas:

Skeleton Hand Glassware

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Skull Cocktail Glass

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• Make a batch for a Halloween party: For larger gatherings, consider making a batch (see below for instructions on tips on batching) and serving it in a pumpkin-shaped punch bowl, like this one:

Pumpkin Punch Bowl

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FAQ

What is crème de cassis? Is there a substitute?

Crème de cassis is a dark red, fruity liqueur made from black currants, often hailing from France. Black currants are steeped in alcohol and then sweetened to create a rich, fruity flavor profile with a sweet and slightly tart edge. It’s most often associated with the champagne cocktail, Kir Royale. 

If you find yourself without crème de cassis, there are a few substitutes that can closely mimic its flavor. One option is Chambord, a black raspberry liqueur that offers a similar berry richness. You can also substitute crème de cassis in Chambord cocktails such as this Chambord Sour or Chambord Spritz.

If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, black currant syrup or black currant jam diluted with a bit of water can work as a stand-in.

How strong is an El Diablo cocktail?

Generally, you can expect an El Diablo to have an ABV in the range of 10-15%, making it a moderately strong cocktail.

The strength of the cocktail depends on the alcohol content of the tequila used and the ratios of the other ingredients. Tequilas usually range from 35-40% ABV (Alcohol by Volume).

Given that the majority of the drink’s volume is made up of ginger beer and lime juice, the final alcohol content will be significantly lower than that of a straight shot of tequila.

Can I make a batch or a pitcher for a crowd? Can I make it in advance?

Yes, you can certainly make a batch or pitcher of El Diablo for a crowd, and it’s quite practical for serving multiple guests.

To make a large batch, simply multiply the quantities of each ingredient by the number of servings you’ll need. (I’ve included extra measurements for serving 8 in the recipe card.)

You can make the base mixture in advance—up to a day before the event is generally fine. Combine the tequila, crème de cassis, and lime juice in a pitcher and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.

It’s very important to add the ginger beer just before serving to maintain its effervescence and prevent it from going flat. Give the pitcher a good stir after adding the ginger beer to ensure that the flavors are well-distributed.