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

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!


El Guapo
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
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:
Sippitysup says
Fortunately you live in So Cal where we can have summer (and tequila) all year long! GREG
Brandon Matzek says
Haha yes!! That’s definitely true. However, sometimes I like to pretend we have seasons like everyone else 😉
dixya | food, pleasure, and health says
i never make cocktails at home so this makes me want to start doing it.
Brandon Matzek says
Do it!! It’s cheaper than getting them at bars too 😛
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Tequila is my best friend 🙂 I love that you incorporated vanilla AND that you’re not letting go of summer just yet!
Brandon Matzek says
Hahah me too! Thanks Averie.
Kelly @ TastingPage says
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!
Brandon Matzek says
Nielsen-Massey beans are sooooo fat and fresh and just dripping with vanilla oil. Definitely give one a try. Thanks Kelly!
Lauren @ Wicked Spatula says
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!
Brandon Matzek says
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!!
Judy@ImBoredLetsGo says
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!
Brandon Matzek says
This cocktail would definitely help cool you off. Thanks Judy 🙂
Katie @ Recipe for Perfection says
I just started using cardamom this year and love it! Thanks for a great recipe to try with cardamom in it!
Brandon Matzek says
It’s one of my favorite spices. Thanks Katie!
Marye says
This sounds amazing, I could go for one right now!
Brandon Matzek says
Me too! It’s a hot one today in San Diego.
Kathy Hester says
I love your spice syrup recipe! I will have this cocktail tonight and a vanilla spiced iced coffee tomorrow morning!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks! Let me know how you enjoyed it.
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
Ooooh that Spiced Vanilla Syrup looks amazing!!! Love these cocktails! 😀
Brandon Matzek says
It’s sooooo tasty! Thank you Annie.
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says
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!
Brandon Matzek says
Haha, thanks Gwen!!
Laura @MotherWouldKnow says
I’m so intrigued by this combination of spicy and sweet – not much of a cocktail lover, but this could definitely change my mind.
Brandon Matzek says
It’s a fun combo! Try it with soda water or in coffee if cocktails aren’t your thing 🙂
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
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!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Shelley :)!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
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! 🙂
Brandon Matzek says
Hahaha yes!! And you can certainly enjoy this spiced syrup in non-alcoholic beverages. Drinking with just lime and soda water would be tasty!
Sara @ Cake Over Steak says
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. 😀
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Sara!! This drink is aaaalll about that syrup.
fabiola@notjustbaked says
I wish I drank, these look amazing.
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Fabiola!
Cynthia/What A Girl Eats says
Vanilla is my favorite scent ever! I have several Nielsen Massey products as well, fabulous looking drink!
Brandon Matzek says
Yes, I love the scent of vanilla beans as well. Intoxicating really!
Ginny McMeans says
Yes, let’s hang onto summer a bit longer especially so I can make this EL GUAPO!
Brandon Matzek says
Agreed! Thanks Ginny 🙂
Susan says
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!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Susan! This is so refreshing. Especially on a hot summer day.
Carol Borchardt says
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!
Brandon Matzek says
For me, it’s a simple pleasure 🙂 Thanks Carol!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
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.
Brandon Matzek says
Yaaaaasss!!! Make one and be refreshed :)!! Thanks Thalia.