El Pirata, the renowned London cocktail bar, has unveiled its signature winter creation: El Toro. This innovative twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail blends American bourbon with rich Spanish flavours, offering a sophisticated and warming drink perfect for the colder months.
A Fusion of American and Andalusian Traditions
El Toro reimagines the traditional Old Fashioned by incorporating elements from southern Spain, resulting in a cocktail that is both familiar and excitingly novel. The drink combines the robust spice of bourbon with the sweet, complex notes of Spanish sherry and brandy, creating a harmonious blend that evokes the warmth of Andalusia.
The Recipe: Crafting El Toro at Home
To prepare El Toro, you will need the following ingredients, which serve one person:
- 50ml bourbon (Wild Turkey is recommended)
- 15ml Spanish brandy (Gran Duque de Alba is suggested)
- 5ml Licor 43
- 5ml pedro ximénez sherry
- 4 drops of orange bitters
- 1 cocktail cherry and 1 twist of orange peel for garnish
Method: Pour all the liquid ingredients into a mixing glass. Add ice and stir gently – just three or four turns should suffice to chill the mixture without over-diluting it. Strain the cocktail into an old fashioned glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with the cocktail cherry and orange peel twist before serving.
Expert Insight from El Pirata's Head Bartender
Neki Xhilaga, the head bartender at El Pirata in London's W1 district, emphasises that El Toro is designed as a well-earned indulgence for winter. He describes the cocktail as "deep, dark, and full of Spanish warmth", noting that it "wraps you up like a velvet jacket with bourbon spice, sherry sweetness, and a glint of orange zest".
This cocktail showcases how traditional recipes can be elevated with regional twists, making it a standout example of modern mixology that celebrates both American and Spanish culinary heritage.
