King Cake Cocktail Recipe with El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters

A king cake cocktail is a unique twist on the old fashioned, capturing the flavors of Mardi Gras with vanilla, cinnamon, and cream. The key ingredient is El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters, which provides a rich, sweet, and complex flavor that brings the drink to life. This recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Laissez les bon temps rouler! 

What is a King Cake Cocktail?

This cocktail is a spirited tribute to the iconic Mardi Gras king cake. Unlike a traditional old fashioned, this version uses bourbon infused with cinnamon, a splash of Creole Orgeat, and a touch of heavy cream to create a rich, creamy, and festive flavor. The El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters are the final touch, tying all the flavors together with a warm, elegant vanilla aroma.

King Cake Old Fashioned Recipe

This recipe is simple to follow and delivers a complex, high-quality cocktail every time.

Ingredients for the King Cake Cocktail

x @the.sauceress

• 2 oz Cinnamon Infused Bourbon (recipe below)
• .5 oz Licor 43
• .75 oz El Guapo™ Creole Orgeat
• .75 oz Heavy Cream
• 2 dashes El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters
• El Guapo™ Lemon Cordial & colored sugar, for glass rim
• Cinnamon stick, edible glitter and flowers, for garnish

How to Make the King Cake Cocktail: Step-by-Step

1. Rim a small glass with colored sugar by dipping the rim in lemon cordial (pour an ounce onto a small plate to dip) before dipping into sugar.
2. Combine the cinnamon infused bourbon, Licor 43, El Guapo™ Creole Orgeat, heavy cream, and El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
3. Stir to chill the ingredients, then strain the cocktail into your prepared glass over one large piece of ice.
4. Garnish with a cinnamon stick dipped in edible glitter and a flower before serving. Cheers!

Cinnamon Infused Bourbon

Put 4 cinnamon sticks in an 8 oz jar. Fill the jar with bourbon. Allow it to sit and infuse for 3-4 days. Remove and discard the cinnamon sticks when you are ready to make your cocktails. Do not substitute powdered cinnamon.

Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the Licor 43?

Licor 43 is a Spanish liqueur with notes of vanilla, citrus, and herbs. While it's a key ingredient, you could substitute it with a rich vanilla liqueur or a touch of vanilla syrup, but the flavor will be slightly different.

What if I don't have time to infuse the bourbon?

If you're in a hurry, you can add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the mixing glass along with a few extra dashes of El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters. This will give you a similar flavor profile without the wait time.

How do the bitters affect the drink?

The El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters are crucial for a well-rounded flavor. The vanilla notes enhance the sweetness of the other ingredients and balance the bourbon, while the aging process in rum barrels adds a layer of depth and complexity.