King Cake Cocktail: Award-Winning El Guapo Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters

If Mardi Gras had a signature pour, this would be it. The King Cake Cocktail is a playful twist on an old fashioned with the spirit of carnival built right in. Bourbon meets cinnamon. Creole Orgeat adds nutty depth. A touch of cream brings richness. Our Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters tie it all together with warm vanilla and oak. It tastes like celebration in a glass.

This drink honors the flavors of the iconic king cake without ever feeling heavy. It is polished. It is festive. It is guaranteed to impress. Laissez les bon temps rouler.

What is a King Cake Cocktail?

Think of this as an old fashioned dressed for Mardi Gras. Cinnamon infused bourbon anchors the drink. Creole Orgeat adds southern sweetness. Heavy cream softens the edges. Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters bring warm vanilla that fills the glass with aroma. It is rich and creamy with no artificial anything.

King Cake Old Fashioned Recipe

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

Ingredients

x @the.sauceress

• 2 oz Cinnamon Infused Bourbon (recipe below)
• .5 oz Licor 43
• .75 oz El Guapo™ Creole Orgeat
• 0.75 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

Instructions 

1. Rim a small glass by dipping it in Lemon Cordial and then colored sugar.
   
2. Add bourbon, Licor 43, Creole Orgeat, cream and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
   
3. Stir until cold.
   
4. Strain into the prepared glass over one large ice cube.
   
5. Garnish with a glitter kissed cinnamon stick and a flower.

Cinnamon Infused Bourbon

• Place four cinnamon sticks in an eight ounce jar. Cover with bourbon. Let it sit for three to four days. Remove the cinnamon sticks once the flavor develops. Do not use powdered cinnamon.

The Aromatic Heart of the King Cake Cocktail

This cocktail works because the flavors stack with intention. Creole Orgeat brings nutty depth. Cinnamon gives warmth. Cream adds luxury. Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters pull everything into a smooth cohesive finish with their rich vanilla and rum barrel character. The bitters are the secret to making this taste like true Mardi Gras decadence.

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?

You can swap in a vanilla liqueur or a small amount of vanilla syrup. The flavor will shift but still work.

What if I do not have time to infuse the bourbon?

Add a pinch of ground cinnamon and a few extra dashes of Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters. It will not be as smooth as the infusion but will give you the flavor in a pinch.

How do the bitters affect the drink?

The bitters provide warm vanilla with soft rum barrel notes. They brighten the sweetness and round the bourbon for a balanced finish.