The Guadalajara Cocktail

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
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Updated on 12/13/21
Guadalajara Cocktail

The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail

Have you thought about mixing a reposado tequila with Fernet Branca? It works surprisingly well and the Guadalajara cocktail is your chance to try it out. This is a very interesting cocktail and it offers a fascinating taste you'll be hard-pressed to find in any other tequila cocktail.

Fernet Branca is an Italian amaro that brings a bitter herbal element into the drink. It pairs wonderfully with tequila, especially an aged reposado. The mole bitters are a delightful tribute to the Mexican chili sauce and help marry the cocktail's flavors, adding that perfect finishing touch. Since Fernet Branca is a digestif, this would make a fabulous after-dinner cocktail, though it's enjoyable any time.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces reposado tequila

  • 1/2 ounce Fernet-Branca

  • 1/2 ounce agave simple syrup

  • 2 dashes mole bitters

  • 3 drops grapefruit oil, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour the tequila, Fernet Branca, agave simple syrup, and mole bitters.

  3. Stir well for at least 30 seconds.

  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

  5. Garnish with a few drops of grapefruit oil on top. Serve and enjoy.

Tips

  • The tequila you pour will make or break this drink. Choose a top-shelf reposado tequila or upgrade it to an añejo tequila. Blanco tequilas lack the flavor depth imparted by barrel aging and will not stand up as well against Fernet Branca.
  • "Agave simple" is agave nectar cut with water to take off a little sweetness. To make it, combine equal parts agave nectar and water and stir until you get an even consistency.
  • Ensure that the grapefruit essential oil is 100 percent pure oil and food-grade. This should be indicated on the label. Do not add oil to your cocktail that is designed for aromatherapy uses only. If that's your only option, skip the ingredient!
  • If you don't have grapefruit oil handy, grapefruit bitters are a nice alternative. You can also simply cut a small piece of grapefruit peel and squeeze it over the drink to release the fruit's natural essential oils. Flame the peel if you like.
  • Serving this drink in a chilled glass makes it just a little more enjoyable. If you don't have one pre-chilled, place a few ice cubes in the glass while you mix up the drink, then discard them before straining.

How Strong Is a Guadalajara Cocktail?

Like other cocktails that are made almost entirely of liquor and served short, the Guadalajara is not a weak drink. Its alcohol content should be right around 28 percent ABV (56 proof). That makes it just a little lighter than a tequini and similar martini-style drinks. It may look fancy and polished, but it packs a punch!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
261 Calories
0g Fat
23g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 261
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 2mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 23g 8%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 20g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 5mg 24%
Calcium 0mg 0%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 3mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)