Vaquero

When a cocktail gets described as “a Boulevardier meets an herbal Mai Tai,” you know it’s going to be interesting. Originally created by Simone Goldberg at Narcissa in NYC, the Vaquero quickly caught our attention. Once we gave it a shake, we understood the hype.

 

This is a bold, layered sipper that hits all the right notes. Bourbon brings the backbone, while lemon juice adds brightness and Ancho Reyes layers in a subtle smoky heat. Aperol lifts things with a touch of citrusy bitterness, and demerara syrup rounds it all out with just enough sweetness. Muddled pineapple and fresh sage add an unexpected, aromatic twist that keeps each sip dynamic and refreshing. It’s complex without being complicated, and definitely one worth revisiting.

Author
The Elevated Craft Team
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Servings
1 Cocktail
Category

Cocktails

Cuisine
Cocktails

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ oz. Bourbon
  • ¾ oz. Lemon Juice
  • ¾ oz. Ancho Reyes
  • ½ oz. Aperol
  • ¼ oz. Demerara Syrup
  • 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
  • 2 Pineapple Chunks, Muddled
  • 2 Sage Leaves, One to Muddle / One for Garnish

Directions

  1. Muddle 2 pineapple chunks and 1 sage leaf in your Hybrid Cocktail Shaker.
  2. Add all remaining ingredients (except the other sage leaf) to the shaker over ice and shake.
  3. Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with sage leaf.

This recipe is just the beginning.

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