King Cake Cocktail Recipe for Mardi Gras | El Guapo

If Mardi Gras had a signature pour, this would be it.

The King Cake Cocktail is a celebratory take on an Old Fashioned inspired by the flavors that define Carnival season. Bourbon brings warmth and structure, cinnamon adds spice, and El Guapo™ Creole Orgeat delivers a subtle nutty richness. A touch of cream rounds everything out, while our El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters pull the drink together with notes of vanilla and oak.

It captures the essence of king cake without tipping into dessert territory. Festive but balanced. Rich without being heavy. The kind of cocktail that feels right at home during Mardi Gras and impressive any time you pour it.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

What is a King Cake Cocktail?

Think of this as an Old Fashioned and a traditional milk punch getting together for Mardi Gras.

Cinnamon infused bourbon gives the drink its backbone, while El Guapo™ Creole Orgeat adds a touch of Southern sweetness and nutty depth. Heavy cream softens everything just enough, nodding to classic New Orleans milk punch without turning the cocktail into dessert. El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters finish it off, bringing warm vanilla and oak that perfume the glass from the first pour.

The result is rich and creamy, spiced but balanced, and made entirely with real ingredients. No artificial flavors. No shortcuts. Just a festive, indulgent cocktail that feels right at home during Carnival season and beyond.

King Cake Old Fashioned

🍹 x Christa Cotton
📸 x Jes Gutierrez-Switaj
Makes 1 cocktail

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Cinnamon Infused Bourbon (recipe below 👇🏼)
• 1⁄2 oz Licor 43
• 3⁄4 oz El Guapo™ Creole Orgeat
• 3⁄4 oz heavy cream
  
• 2 dashes El Guapo™ Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters
• El Guapo™ Lime Cordial & colored sugar, for glass rim
• Cinnamon stick, edible glitter and flowers for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Rim a small glass by dipping it in Lime 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

Ingredients:

• 4 oz Cinnamon sticks
• 8 oz Bourbon (makes 4 servings)

Instructions:

• Place four cinnamon sticks in an eight ounce mason jar.
• Cover with bourbon.
• Seal & let it sit for three to four days.
• Remove the cinnamon sticks once the flavor develops.
• WARNING: Do not use powdered cinnamon.
• Sub Spiritless NA Bourbon to make alcohol free version of this drink.

Tips & Variations

Batch it for a crowd: This cocktail is easy to scale. Mix everything except the cream ahead of time and keep it chilled. When you are ready to serve, add the cream and stir gently for a smooth, milk punch style finish.

Control the richness: If you want a lighter sip, reduce the cream slightly or swap in half and half. You will still get that nod to classic milk punch without crossing into dessert territory.

Low proof option: For a lower proof version, keep the Licor 43 and replace the bourbon with Spiritless NA Bourbon. You will still get warm vanilla and baking spice, just with a softer finish.

No proof option: For a fully spirit free pour, omit the Licor 43 and use Spiritless NA Bourbon in place of the bourbon. The cream, Creole Orgeat, cinnamon, and Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters deliver plenty of depth and structure on their own.

Finish with flair: A light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg or a cinnamon stick garnish adds aroma and makes the drink feel even more festive.

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?

Yes. A vanilla liqueur works well, or you can use a small amount of vanilla syrup. The drink will lean slightly sweeter and less complex, but the overall balance will still hold.

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

You can skip the infusion and add a small pinch of ground cinnamon directly to the cocktail along with a few extra dashes of Barrel Aged Vanilla Bitters. It won’t be quite as integrated as the infusion, but it delivers the right flavor profile in a pinch.

What role do the bitters play in this cocktail?

The bitters are what bring the drink together. They add warm vanilla and subtle oak that deepen the bourbon, smooth the cream, and keep the sweetness from feeling flat or heavy.

For more FAQ, visit our main FAQ page!