Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic31.5% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 5 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Cheese, Desserts, Taco Night
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierBittersGarnish
- 0.75 ozAnejo TequilaBase
- 0.75 ozHoney LiqueurModifier
- 2.0 ozMaraschino LiqueurModifier
- 2 dashesThe Bitter Truths Jerry Thomas Own Decanter BittersBitters
- to tasteDehydrated Orange WheelGarnish
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirStrainGarnish
- Stir with ice.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Drop dehydrated orange wheel into old-fashioned glass and add ice.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
- Strain cocktail into glass.StrainStraining removes ice chips, pulp or solids for a cleaner texture.
Best For
Food Pairings
CheeseDesserts
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritBlanco tequila is bright and sharp; reposado adds barrel warmth; añejo is richer and smoother. Mezcal swaps in well but adds smoke — use a little less and see how it sits.CitrusA citrus twist mostly changes aroma, not acidity. Lemon, orange and grapefruit twists each push the drink in a different direction.SweetenerHoney syrup is thicker and more aromatic than simple syrup. Agave is a clean swap — similar sweetness but lighter body. If you use plain sugar syrup, the drink will taste sharper and less complex. Warm honey with equal parts water first so it dissolves properly in cold drinks.BittersAromatic bitters (like Angostura) add spice, clove and cinnamon warmth. Orange bitters are brighter and more citrus-forward. Peychaud's is lighter and more floral. Swapping between them changes the top-note character — use the same quantity and taste, adjusting by drops.
Rate this recipe
Frequently asked questions
- What is a El Oso (The Bear)?
- The El Oso (The Bear) is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 31.5%. A standard serving contains approximately 304 calories.
- What does a El Oso (The Bear) taste like?
- El Oso (The Bear) has a flavour profile featuring Floral, Citrus, Bitter, Agave. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a El Oso (The Bear)?
- El Oso (The Bear) pairs well with Cheese, Desserts. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a El Oso (The Bear)?
- The El Oso (The Bear) has an ABV of approximately 31.5%. That's approximately 1.84 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 304 calories, 21.4g sugar, 29.6g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a El Oso (The Bear) typically served?
- El Oso (The Bear) is a popular choice for Taco Night, Aperitif. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a El Oso (The Bear)?
- If you enjoy El Oso (The Bear), look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a El Oso (The Bear) at home?
- Yes. The El Oso (The Bear) uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Cocktail Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of El Oso (The Bear) with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.