El Guapo Cocktail Recipe

El Guapo Nutrition Facts

Calories:~250

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:~20g

Alcohol:~22%

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 Guapo is a cocktail that embodies the bold spirit of Mexico, combining the smoky notes of mezcal with the sweetness of agave-based tequila. It's a drink that has found its place in the hearts of those who appreciate a complex, yet harmonious blend of flavors. The use of El Corazon fruit puree adds a unique, fruity twist that complements the traditional Mexican spirits.

  • Ideal for those who love a touch of fruitiness in their cocktails.
  • A perfect choice for adventurous palates seeking a smoky yet sweet experience.
  • Often enjoyed during festive occasions or as a sophisticated after-dinner treat.

How El Guapo Tastes?

El Guapo is a symphony of flavors where the smoky undertones of mezcal dance with the bright, sweet notes of the El Corazon fruit puree. The tequila provides a robust foundation, while the lime juice adds a refreshing zest. The simple syrup rounds out the drink with a touch of sweetness, creating a well-balanced and invigorating cocktail.

Interesting facts about El Guapo

  • The name 'El Guapo' can translate to 'The Handsome One,' reflecting the cocktail's appealing presentation.
  • Mezcal is traditionally made from the heart of the agave plant, known as the piña, and its inclusion in this cocktail pays homage to its Mexican roots.
  • The inverted lime garnish, also known as a 'lime boat,' is a unique touch that adds both visual flair and a burst of flavor when the mezcal is poured into it.

Ingredients

Blanco Tequila

Blanco tequila is the powerhouse of 'El Guapo.' It provides a strong, clean flavor that forms the cocktail's backbone. Not enough and you're missing the punch; too much and you'll drown the other flavors. Like life's balance, it's all about moderation!

Alex Green

El Corazon Fruit Puree

This puree adds a delightful fruitiness that makes the drink sing. Go without, and you'll lose that orchestra of flavor. It's like the Beatles without Lennon – just doesn't hit the same.

Emma Rose

Simple Syrup

Sweetness to counter the tang, this syrup is like the mediator in a spirited debate. Skip it, and the debate might just get out of hand, leaving your taste buds flabbergasted.

Mary Mitkina

Lime Juice

The tart zinger! It brightens everything up and keeps the tequila in check. Omit lime juice, and the cocktail loses its spark. It's as crucial as the chorus in your favorite song.

Alex Green

Del Maguey Vida Mezcal

Smoky and mysterious, it's the stranger you want to know better. Without it, 'El Guapo' is just another face in the crowd. It adds that extra 'oomph' that makes your sipping experience memorable.

Emma Rose

Inverted 1/2 Lime

'The boat' that carries the mezcal. No lime boat, no special delivery of smoky goodness. It's the garnish that doubles as an interactive experience!

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make El Guapo Drink

  1. Rim a highball glass with salt and pepper and set aside.
  2. Add the blanco tequila, El Corazon puree, simple syrup, and lime juice into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
  3. Double-strain into the prepared highball glass over fresh ice.
  4. Garnish with an inverted 1/2 lime with the juice squeezed out (a lime boat).
  5. Fill the lime boat with the mezcal.

Pro Tips

  • For an extra touch of freshness, use a lime zester to add a few twists of lime zest to the rim of the glass along with the salt and pepper.
  • Chill the highball glass before rimming it to keep the cocktail colder for longer.
  • When squeezing the lime boat, ensure to remove all the juice to prevent dilution of the mezcal.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Ceviche: The citrus from the lime complements the acidity, while the tequila meshes well with the seafood.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Chicken Tacos: The smoky flavor from the mezcal and the fruitiness of the El Corazon can enhance the savoriness of the chicken.

Desserts

  • Mango Sorbet: The sweetness of the sorbet will balance the cocktail's acidity and highlight the fruit puree notes.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

  • Chilled Hibiscus Tea: Its floral taste pairs nicely with the fruity and tangy flavors of the cocktail.

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What you could change in El Guapo

  • If The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley El Corazon fruit puree is not available, a homemade blend of equal parts strawberry, raspberry, and blood orange puree can be used as a substitute.
  • In the absence of Del Maguey Vida mezcal, another quality mezcal can be used, though the flavor profile may vary slightly.

Explore all drinks starting with E here

And of course - twists🍹

Smoky El Guapo

  • Substitute 1 oz of blanco tequila with an additional oz of mezcal. You'll get a cocktail that's got a smoke screen thicker than a foggy morning in San Francisco – for those who like a bit of mystery with their sip.

Spicy El Guapo

  • Muddle a slice of jalapeño in the shaker before adding the ingredients. You'll have a drink that kicks harder than a mule in a bad mood. Remember, spice is nice, but don't start a fire you can't put out.

Fruity El Guapo

  • Replace El Corazon puree with a mix of raspberry and blackberry puree. This twist will take you on a berry merry ride, perfect for those who like their life (and their drinks) a bit sweeter.

In case you forgot basics how to make El Guapo

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 Guapo

What type of glass is best suited for serving El Guapo?

A highball glass is typically used for serving El Guapo to accommodate the volume of the drink and its ice, while also showcasing its appealing color.

Is there a specific technique for rimming the glass with salt and pepper for this cocktail?

Yes, gently dab the rim of the glass with a lime wedge to moisten it, then dip the rim into a mixture of salt and pepper to coat it lightly, which adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Can El Guapo be made into a non-alcoholic mocktail?

Absolutely! Replace the alcoholic ingredients with non-alcoholic alternatives like alcohol-free spirits or increase the quantity of fruit puree and lime juice for a refreshing mocktail version.

How can I achieve the smoky flavor in El Guapo without mezcal?

While mezcal is known for its smokiness, you can simulate this flavor by adding a few drops of natural liquid smoke or by smoking a glass with a burnt wood stick before preparing the drink.

What is the significance of the inverted lime garnish in El Guapo?

The inverted lime garnish, or 'lime boat,' is a creative presentation that also serves to hold the mezcal pour, integrating the aroma and final flavor burst when sipped.

Are there any specific occasions or seasons when El Guapo is especially popular?

El Guapo is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed year-round, but it's particularly popular during summer months and festive occasions due to its refreshing and bold flavor profile.

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