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    Home / Recipes / Course / Cocktail

    4 Aug 24, 2015 Cocktail  |   Jump to Recipe

    El Guapo

    You guys, summer is almost over!!  I’m not ready to let go just yet though.

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    El Guapo Summer Cocktail Recipe

    Today, I’m sharing my last summer cocktail recipe, El Guapo, a spirited mix of white tequila, bitters, lime juice, salt and Spiced Vanilla Syrup.  I’ve been seriously drinking these on the daily since I finalized the recipe several weeks ago.  Each sip is bright and refreshing with a complex sweetness from the syrup.  A perfect libation for a weekend gathering with friends, or a post-work happy hour (that’s when I’ve been drinking them!).  In a few weeks, I’m sure I’ll be drinking a PSL while switching all of my wallflowers and hand soaps to fall fragrances, but for now, I’m going to stay right here, and enjoy the last few sips of summer.  Continue reading for the recipe plus more on the Spiced Vanilla Syrup.

    Syrup Ingredients

    Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Beans

    You’ve probably got 4/5’s of this cocktail already in your pantry (tequila, lime, bitters and salt), but one component, the Spiced Vanilla Syrup, does require some cooking.  The syrup starts by toasting a vanilla bean, cardamom, allspice, cinnamon and clove in a dry pan until fragrant.  Coconut sugar is then added and caramelized a bit, before water gets thrown into the mix to make the syrup.  The finished syrup is warm and wonderfully fragrant.  The perfect counter to citrusy white tequila and bright lime juice.  Here are some things to considering when making this syrup:

    • Vanilla beans should be fat and glossy (not dry and brittle).  This is a good indicator that they’re fresh and flavorful.  I used a Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Vanilla Bean here, and its flavor and aroma were just incredible.  The bean shown here was slick with vanilla oil and just bursting with jet black vanilla seeds.  Since vanilla is the main flavor of the syrup, you want to make sure you start with a high quality vanilla bean.
    • This is a great use-up for whole spices that may be sitting around in your pantry.  The toasting process wakes up the oils in the spices, and helps to extract them into the syrup.
    • The sugar to water ratio here is 2:1, making this a rich syrup which is thicker than a typical simple syrup.  I used coconut sugar here for depth of flavor, but you could certainly use white sugar if you don’t have coconut sugar.
    • You can store the strained syrup in the fridge for up to 2 months.  It also goes well stirred into coffee or drizzled over vanilla ice cream!

    Toasting Spices

    Cocktail Making

    El Guapo Cocktail

    El Guapo

    by Brandon Matzek
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings 3 cups of syrup and 1 cocktail

    Ingredients
      

    To make the Spiced Vanilla Syrup:

    • 1 Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Bean
    • 6 green cardamom pods
    • 5 allspice berries
    • 3 whole cloves
    • 1/2-inch piece of cinnamon stick
    • 2 cups coconut sugar or white sugar
    • 1 cup water, divided

    To make the cocktail:

    • 2 ounces white tequila
    • 1 ounce Spiced Vanilla Syrup
    • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
    • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
    • Small pinch of kosher salt
    • Reserved spices, for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • To make the syrup, start by cutting the vanilla bean in half width-wise, then length-wise. Scrape out the vanilla seeds and reserve. Place the vanilla bean segments in a small pot along with cardamon, allspice, clove and cinnamon, and warm over medium heat until fragrant (1 - 2 minutes). Add the sugar plus 2 tablespoons of water, stirring to combine. Let the sugar cook, stirring frequently, until it starts to caramelize (about 2 minutes)*. Stir in the rest of the water (1 cup minus 2 tablespoons), bring to a boil, and then take the syrup off the heat. Stir in the reserved vanilla seeds, cover and let cool completely. Strain into a clean jar, and reserve the strained spices.
    • To make the cocktail, add tequila, 1 ounce Spiced Vanilla Syrup, lime juice, bitters and kosher salt to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until well-chilled. Strain into a short tumbler filled with ice, and garnish with some of the reserved spices.

    Notes

    * Coconut sugar is already brown, so it will be difficult to see the caramelization happening. Instead, use your nose. The sugar will start to smell warm and toasty as it begins to caramelize. If you're using white sugar, you can see the caramelization happening as the sugar turns from white to light brown.
    Tried this recipe?Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can check it out!

    This is a sponsored post, written by me, and created in partnership with Nielsen-Massey. All recipes, thoughts and opinions are my own. I’ve actually got a number of other Nielsen-Massey products in my spice drawer, including vanilla extract, almond extract and vanilla paste, and I’d highly recommend them all!  Be sure to check out Nielsen-Massey on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest for product updates, recipe ideas, special events and more!

    Here are some other vanilla-infused recipes on Kitchen Konfidence:

    Fig Cakes with Vanilla Glaze

    Fig Cakes with Vanilla Glaze

    Cream Soda

    Cream Soda

    Summer Salad with Vanilla Vinaigrette

    Summer Salad with Vanilla Vinaigrette

    Salted Caramel Pot de Creme

    Salted Caramel Pots de Creme

    Granola Bars with Coconut, Currants and Almonds

    Granola Bars with Coconut, Currants and Almonds

    4
    Brandon and Federico
    Brandon

    I’m Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Did you make a recipe? Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can see the how it went!

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    Categories: Cocktail Tags: allspice, angostura bitters, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, kosher salt, lime, sugar, tequila, vanilla

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sippitysup says

      August 24, 2015 at 11:49 am

      Fortunately you live in So Cal where we can have summer (and tequila) all year long! GREG

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 1:05 pm

        Haha yes!! That’s definitely true. However, sometimes I like to pretend we have seasons like everyone else 😉

        Reply
    2. dixya | food, pleasure, and health says

      August 24, 2015 at 1:19 pm

      i never make cocktails at home so this makes me want to start doing it.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 1:03 pm

        Do it!! It’s cheaper than getting them at bars too 😛

        Reply
    3. Averie @ Averie Cooks says

      August 24, 2015 at 3:16 pm

      Tequila is my best friend 🙂 I love that you incorporated vanilla AND that you’re not letting go of summer just yet!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 1:02 pm

        Hahah me too! Thanks Averie.

        Reply
    4. Kelly @ TastingPage says

      August 24, 2015 at 10:22 pm

      I’m a huge fan of vanilla and love using the whole bean, but it’s got to be fresh. Need to check these guys out and try your cocktail. Looks wonderful!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 12:08 pm

        Nielsen-Massey beans are sooooo fat and fresh and just dripping with vanilla oil. Definitely give one a try. Thanks Kelly!

        Reply
    5. Lauren @ Wicked Spatula says

      August 25, 2015 at 3:48 am

      I adore tequila so I’m always on the lookout for unique cocktail recipes. This looks absolutely perfect! The spices in this will make it a great cocktail to transition into fall too!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 1:01 pm

        You’re totally right Lauren!! These spices are typically more associated with fall or winter. When paired with tequila and lime though, they work in the summer months 🙂 Thanks!!

        Reply
    6. [email protected] says

      August 25, 2015 at 4:01 am

      This sounds incredible. I love the vanilla syrup. I must give this a try! P.S. I’m in Florida so it’s still hot as blazes here!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 12:58 pm

        This cocktail would definitely help cool you off. Thanks Judy 🙂

        Reply
    7. Katie @ Recipe for Perfection says

      August 25, 2015 at 4:11 am

      I just started using cardamom this year and love it! Thanks for a great recipe to try with cardamom in it!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 12:05 pm

        It’s one of my favorite spices. Thanks Katie!

        Reply
    8. Marye says

      August 25, 2015 at 4:48 am

      This sounds amazing, I could go for one right now!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 12:58 pm

        Me too! It’s a hot one today in San Diego.

        Reply
    9. Kathy Hester says

      August 25, 2015 at 4:59 am

      I love your spice syrup recipe! I will have this cocktail tonight and a vanilla spiced iced coffee tomorrow morning!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 12:04 pm

        Thanks! Let me know how you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    10. Annie @ Annie's Noms says

      August 25, 2015 at 6:21 am

      Ooooh that Spiced Vanilla Syrup looks amazing!!! Love these cocktails! 😀

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 12:58 pm

        It’s sooooo tasty! Thank you Annie.

        Reply
    11. Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says

      August 25, 2015 at 9:33 am

      I already love this cocktail from the name alone 😉 What a very intriguing mix of flavors. I’m definitely going to have to try this!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 12:57 pm

        Haha, thanks Gwen!!

        Reply
    12. Laura @MotherWouldKnow says

      August 25, 2015 at 11:17 am

      I’m so intrigued by this combination of spicy and sweet – not much of a cocktail lover, but this could definitely change my mind.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 12:57 pm

        It’s a fun combo! Try it with soda water or in coffee if cocktails aren’t your thing 🙂

        Reply
    13. Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says

      August 25, 2015 at 1:29 pm

      I’m sooooo not ready to let go of summer yet, either! And here’s one more terrific reason to hold onto it just a bit longer … this delicious cocktail! It truly does sound just as bright and refreshing as you say – with all those fabulous, flavorful spices! Wonderful!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 12:56 pm

        Thanks Shelley :)!

        Reply
    14. Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      August 25, 2015 at 8:48 pm

      I don’t drink, but this combo of spices is just heavenly. I gotta tell you, every time I hear “el guapo” I can’t help but think of “The Three Amigos” and laugh, it’s a classic! 🙂

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 12:55 pm

        Hahaha yes!! And you can certainly enjoy this spiced syrup in non-alcoholic beverages. Drinking with just lime and soda water would be tasty!

        Reply
    15. Sara @ Cake Over Steak says

      August 26, 2015 at 12:58 pm

      This sounds so fantastic! I looooove tequila drinks but I’m not sure I’ve ever had one like this with a spiced vanilla component. I’m excited about using that syrup for iced coffee too. 😀

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 12:04 pm

        Thanks Sara!! This drink is aaaalll about that syrup.

        Reply
    16. [email protected] says

      August 26, 2015 at 1:20 pm

      I wish I drank, these look amazing.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 12:53 pm

        Thanks Fabiola!

        Reply
    17. Cynthia/What A Girl Eats says

      August 28, 2015 at 5:22 pm

      Vanilla is my favorite scent ever! I have several Nielsen Massey products as well, fabulous looking drink!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 12:53 pm

        Yes, I love the scent of vanilla beans as well. Intoxicating really!

        Reply
    18. Ginny McMeans says

      August 29, 2015 at 9:53 pm

      Yes, let’s hang onto summer a bit longer especially so I can make this EL GUAPO!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 12:54 pm

        Agreed! Thanks Ginny 🙂

        Reply
    19. Susan says

      August 30, 2015 at 7:35 am

      I can only imagine how fragrant this cocktail must be! Sounds delicious and refreshing and I always have those spices on hand ready to go!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 12:54 pm

        Thanks Susan! This is so refreshing. Especially on a hot summer day.

        Reply
    20. Carol Borchardt says

      August 30, 2015 at 11:48 am

      I don’t do too many cocktails at home but I need to change that! Oh my…..this sounds like it would go down a little too well!

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        August 30, 2015 at 12:54 pm

        For me, it’s a simple pleasure 🙂 Thanks Carol!

        Reply
    21. Thalia @ butter and brioche says

      September 1, 2015 at 8:30 pm

      The weather is just beginning to heat up here in Australia so refreshing cocktails like this are perfect! Good thing I have all the ingredients on hand too.

      Reply
      • Brandon Matzek says

        September 2, 2015 at 3:38 pm

        Yaaaaasss!!! Make one and be refreshed :)!! Thanks Thalia.

        Reply

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    Brandon and Federico

    I'm Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Read More…


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