Cocktail Quiz NO.004

Which tequila cocktail with lime and ginger beer also has a hint of dark fruit sweetness?

Reveal of 004 Quiz: El Diablo

The History and Evolution of the El Diablo Cocktail: From "Diablo" to a Classic

The El Diablo cocktail began its journey under the simple name "Diablo," first featured in the "Tropical Specialties" section of Hyman Gale and Gerald F. Marco’s 1940 book The How and When. At that time, the recipe was as follows:
Diablo Cocktail Recipe

• ½ ounce Lime Juice
• 1½ ounces Ronrico White Rum
• ½ ounce Creme de Cassis
• Shake these ingredients well with 3 ounces of ice and serve in a 10-ounce glass. Fill a quarter of the glass with shaved ice, and the rest with large ice chunks. Add Ginger Ale, a round of lime, and red and green cherries. Serve with colored straws.

In 1946, Victor Bergeron, also known as Trader Vic, made the first reference to this cocktail with tequila replacing rum in his book Trader Vic's Book of Food and Drink, calling it the "Mexican El Diablo." This book is significant because it marks the cocktail as an original creation by Trader Vic.

By 1968, when this drink appeared again in Trader Vic's Pacific Island Cookbook, its name had been shortened to simply "El Diablo." This version of the cocktail has since become a staple in bars worldwide.

The evolution of this cocktail isn’t just about swapping the base spirit; it reflects the changing times and cultural influences in cocktail crafting. The El Diablo remains a classic, beloved cocktail, enduring in popularity across bars around the globe.

Mixing Insights:

The sweet berry liqueur perfectly complements the spicy, robust flavor of tequila. Start by mixing fresh lime juice with the berry liqueur to create a balanced, sweet-tart base that retains the fresh aroma of lime and the sweetness of berries. After adding the tequila, mix thoroughly but avoid shaking too long to prevent excessive dilution or adding too much crushed ice to the drink. Finally, when pouring in the ginger ale, minimize the loss of bubbles to enhance the harmony between the tequila and berry flavors. This careful combination results in a refreshing cocktail with a full-bodied spirit and rich fruit aroma—truly a devilish delight.