El Burro Cocktail Recipe

El Burro Nutrition Facts

Calories:~200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:~20g

Alcohol:~15%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

El Burro is a vibrant cocktail that is often considered a cousin to the Moscow Mule due to its use of ginger beer. It's a refreshing choice for those who appreciate the bold flavors of tequila paired with the zesty kick of ginger.

  • Origins: The exact origins are murky, but it's believed to have been inspired by the classic mule cocktails.
  • Popularity: It has gained popularity in bars that specialize in tequila-based drinks.
  • Fans: This drink is a favorite among those who enjoy a spicy twist to their cocktails.

How El Burro Tastes?

El Burro is a symphony of flavors where the earthy notes of tequila meet the anise-like undertones of absinthe, balanced by the tartness of lime and the sweetness of pineapple. The ginger beer adds a spicy effervescence that makes the drink invigorating and complex.

Interesting facts about El Burro

  • The name 'El Burro' translates to 'The Donkey' in English, a playful nod to the Moscow Mule.
  • Tequila's versatility is showcased in this cocktail, proving it's not just for shots or margaritas.
  • The addition of absinthe or pastis gives a unique twist, differentiating it from other mule variations.

Ingredients

  • Reposado tequila: 1.5 oz(45ml)
  • Absinthe: 0.25 oz(8ml)
  • Lime juice: 0.75 oz(23ml)
  • Pineapple juice: 0.75 oz(23ml)
  • Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Ginger beer: 1 oz(30ml)

A few good options for El Burro are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Reposado Tequila

Reposado tequila is the heart of this cocktail, adding a smooth, oaky sweetness with a hint of spice. Using 1.5 oz strikes the right balance between strength and flavor. Too much could overpower the other ingredients, too little, and you miss the spirit of 'El Burro'.

Emma Rose

Absinthe

A quarter ounce of absinthe brings a touch of herbal complexity with hints of anise. It's strong, so a little goes a long way. Skip it and you'll lose that certain 'je ne sais quoi'. An alternative could be Pernod, which is less intense but still has that similar anise flavor.

Alex Green

Lime Juice

This cocktail's acidity comes from 0.75 oz of lime juice. It's crucial for balance, cutting through the sweetness and refreshing the palate. Without it, the drink would be flat and too sweet. Lemon juice could substitute but would give a different type of citrus zing.

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice provides tropical sweetness and a velvety mouthfeel at 0.75 oz. If omitted, you'd miss out on the tropical vibe and natural sweetness. Mango juice could be a fun alternative, offering a different sweet-citrus note.

Emma Rose

Simple Syrup

Half an ounce sweetens the deal here without being cloying. To omit it would be to miss out on the cocktail's smooth edge. Agave syrup could work as a replacement, especially since it's a tequila's best friend, but it may change the flavor profile slightly.

Alex Green

Ginger Beer

The 1 oz of ginger beer gifts a spicy fizz to the mix, brightening the drink and complementing the tequila. Without it, 'El Burro' would lack its characteristic effervescence and spice. A ginger ale could be a milder alternative, though it would result in a less spicy kick.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make El Burro Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Pour 1½ oz of reposado tequila, ¼ oz of absinthe, ¾ oz of lime juice, ¾ oz of pineapple juice, and ½ oz of simple syrup into the shaker.
  3. Add 1 oz of ginger beer to the mix.
  4. Shake well to combine all the ingredients.
  5. Strain the mixture into a tall glass or mason jar filled with crushed ice.
  6. Garnish with a lime wheel or a sprig of mint, if desired.

Pro Tips

  • Chill the Glass: Before serving, chill the glass to keep the cocktail colder for longer.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lime juice and make your own simple syrup for the best flavor.
  • Balance: Adjust the amount of simple syrup based on the sweetness of your pineapple juice and your personal taste preference.

Perfect Pairings

Seafood

  • Grilled shrimp: The zesty lime and sweet pineapple in the cocktail complement the smokiness from the shrimp.

  • Ceviche: The acidity from the lime juice mirrors the marinade of the dish, enhancing the fresh and clean flavors.

Mexican Cuisine

  • Tacos al Pastor: The fruity and spicy profile of the cocktail pairs perfectly with the savory and slightly spicy pork.

  • Guacamole with tortilla chips: The fresh, herbaceous notes of the cocktail cut through the creaminess of the guacamole.

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What you could change in El Burro

  • Tequila: If reposado tequila is not available, blanco tequila can be used as a substitute.
  • Absinthe/Pastis: If you don't have absinthe, pastis can be used for a similar anise flavor.
  • Ginger Beer: For a less spicy kick, ginger ale can replace ginger beer, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

Explore all drinks starting with E here

And of course - twists🍹

El Burro Verde

  • Swap the pineapple juice for an equal amount of fresh cucumber juice. It'll introduce a garden-fresh element that's both cooling and intriguing.

Spicy Burro

  • Muddle a few slices of jalapeño at the bottom of the shaker before adding the other ingredients. This will give the cocktail a spicy kick that's perfect for those who love a bit of heat.

Blackberry Burro

  • Add half an ounce of blackberry liqueur and a handful of muddled blackberries. The berries will lend a tart sweetness and a deep purple hue, making for a fruity and visually striking variation.

In case you forgot basics how to make El Burro

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on El Burro

Can I make El Burro in large batches for a party?

Yes, you can pre-mix El Burro in large quantities. Just keep the proportions the same and add the ginger beer right before serving to preserve its effervescence.

Is El Burro suitable for a winter cocktail menu?

While El Burro is generally considered a refreshing summer cocktail, its spicy and warm ginger notes make it suitable for winter menus as well.

What type of food would pair well with El Burro besides the recommended pairings?

Apart from seafood and Mexican cuisine, El Burro also pairs beautifully with spicy Asian dishes, barbecued meats, and zesty salads.

Can El Burro be served as a non-alcoholic drink?

Yes, you can create a mocktail version by substituting the alcoholic components with non-alcoholic spirits or simply increasing the juices and ginger beer.

Is there a significance behind the name 'El Burro'?

'El Burro,' which means 'The Donkey' in Spanish, likely draws its name from the Moscow Mule's use of 'mule,' as a burro is a type of mule.

How do I achieve the perfect ice crush for El Burro?

You can use a blender, or manually crush ice in a canvas bag with a mallet for a more controlled and consistent texture.

What are the signs of a well-made El Burro cocktail?

A well-made El Burro should have a balance of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors with a smooth effervescence from the ginger beer.

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