El Diablo Cocktail Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something bold with a little heat and a touch of sweetness, the El Diablo cocktail recipe might be just what you’re looking for. It’s become one of our go-to drinks, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.

It starts with smooth reposado tequila, balanced with fresh lime juice and a splash of crème de cassis. Then comes the part we really love. A generous pour of ginger beer adds a spicy fizz that brings everything together.

This drink goes way back to the 1940s and was made popular by Trader Vic. It’s one of those hidden gems that often gets overlooked by tequila lovers who stick to Margaritas. But trust us, it’s worth exploring.

We like to serve it on warm evenings or when we’re hosting. It’s easy to make, refreshing, and always a hit. Ready to give it a try? Let’s take a closer look at what makes this cocktail so memorable.

What's in an El Diablo Cocktail? Ingredients and Substitutions

The El Diablo cocktail is a simple mix of reposado tequila, crème de cassis, fresh lime juice, and spicy ginger beer. Each ingredient plays its part to make this drink pop.

Tequila

Reposado is our go-to. It’s smooth with hints of vanilla and caramel from the oak barrels. If you don’t have it, blanco tequila works for a fresher, lighter flavor. We usually skip añejo since it can be a bit too strong for this mix. For a non-alcoholic version, try Ritual or Seedlip with a splash of agave syrup.

You might also like: What’s the Difference Between Tequila and Mezcal?

Crème de Cassis

This sweet black currant liqueur adds fruity depth and a deep red color. If it’s not available, Chambord or blackberry liqueur are great substitutes. You can also mix black currant jam with simple syrup for a quick fix.

Lime Juice

Fresh is best. One lime gives about an ounce of juice, which is perfect for one drink. Bottled juice works if needed, but skip the sweetened stuff.

Ginger Beer

This brings the spice. Choose a bold one like Fever-Tree or Reed’s for that signature kick. Ginger ale makes a softer version. If you use that, toss in a slice of fresh ginger to turn up the heat.

How to Make an El Diablo Cocktail

There are a couple of easy ways to make an El Diablo cocktail. One way is to shake it. Just add the tequila, lime juice, and cassis to a shaker with ice, give it a good shake, then strain it into a glass filled with ice. Top it off with ginger beer, and you’re all set.

Or if you want to get a little fancy, try building it right in the glass. Pour in the tequila and lime juice over ice, add the ginger beer, then slowly pour the cassis over the back of a spoon. It creates a cool layered look that’s sure to impress.

Speaking of impressing, there’s a fun garnish trick we like. Take half a lime rind, scoop it out, fill it with cassis, and float it upside down in the drink. It looks great and gives your guests a little interactive moment when they tip it in themselves.

We usually stick with reposado tequila for this one. Its smooth, oaky flavor pairs really well with the berry notes from the cassis. And don’t forget a lime wedge on the rim. It adds a fresh scent and a nice final touch.

You’ll find the full recipe with measurements down in the recipe card. Let’s make one together and enjoy this classic with a twist.

El Diablo Recipe Variations

Want to put a fun twist on your El Diablo cocktail? We love the bold mix of tequila, crème de cassis, and ginger beer, but sometimes it's fun to switch things up. Here are a few of our favorite ways to play with the original.

Spicy Diablo

Looking for more heat? Add a slice of fresh jalapeño to the shaker. You can also use a spicy ginger beer instead of the usual kind for a slow-building kick from start to finish.

Smoky Diablo

If you’re into smoky flavors, swap out the tequila for mezcal. This one’s rich and bold, with the mezcal’s smokiness pairing beautifully with the sweet cassis and tart lime.

Berry Diablo

For something a little fruitier, trade the cassis for raspberry or blackberry liqueur. We like to muddle a few fresh berries in the glass too for extra flavor and color.

Ginger Liqueur Diablo

Want something a little more refined? Replace the ginger beer with a ginger liqueur like Domaine de Canton. It gives the drink a smoother, more complex finish without losing the zing.

Each version keeps the bold spirit of the original but adds its own unique twist. Try one or explore them all. It’s fun to experiment and see which one you like best.

More Tequila Cocktails to Try

• Paloma
• Mexican Mule
• Tequila Sunrise
• Tequila Espresso Martini
• Tequila Sour
• Ranch Water
• Mezcal Margarita
• Strawberry Margarita
• Strawberry Paloma

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an El Diablo Cocktail?

An El Diablo cocktail is a tequila-based drink with crème de cassis, lime juice, and ginger beer. The mix creates a sweet, tart, and slightly spicy flavor that many people love.

This classic cocktail came from Trader Vic's in the mid-20th century. It's now one of the most famous tequila drinks that brings together fruity and spicy notes in one glass.

How strong is an El Diablo cocktail?

El Diablo cocktails contain about 1.5 oz of tequila (40% alcohol) and 0.5 oz of crème de cassis (15% alcohol). The ginger beer and ice water it down to make it less potent.

The final drink has about 10-12% alcohol by volume. This makes it like a strong glass of wine but not as strong as a neat spirit.

What tequila is best for El Diablo?

We think reposado tequila works best in an El Diablo. Its smooth, lightly aged taste pairs great with the berry notes from the cassis.

Blanco tequila makes a brighter, more zippy version if that's what you prefer. We don't suggest using añejo tequila as its oak flavors can fight with the other parts.

Some good brands to try are Espolòn, Olmeca Altos, or Herradura. All make easy-to-find tequilas that won't break the bank.

What's the best ginger beer for El Diablo?

Look for a spicy ginger beer with real kick to balance the sweet cassis in your El Diablo. This contrast makes the drink special.

We love Fever-Tree, Q Ginger Beer, and Bundaberg in our El Diablos. They all bring the right heat and don't taste too sweet.

Some folks use ginger ale for a milder drink, but we think it lacks the punch that makes this cocktail shine. You can also try making fresh ginger syrup with soda water if you want to control the spice level.