Name: El Cerro Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1 ounce dark rum; 1 ounce white rum; 1/2 ounce orange curacao; 1/2 ounce Galliano; 2 ounces pineapple juice; a dash of Grenadine

Jump to Recipe

The El Cerro cocktail stands out from other rum drinks for a couple of reasons. First, it combines two types of rum – dark and white – which gives the drink a little more depth.

The dark rum brings a richer, almost caramel-like taste, while the white rum keeps things light and crisp. Add in Galliano, a sweet herbal liqueur, and you get a drink that’s not just fruity, but also a bit earthy and spicy.

The orange curacao and pineapple juice add sweetness and tang. The dash of grenadine isn’t just for color; it offers a hint of pomegranate flavor.

It’s a drink that’s both strong and sippable, which isn’t always easy to pull off. If you like drinks with layers of flavor that aren’t too sugary, this is one to try.

Tasting Notes

When you take your first sip of the El Cerro, you’ll notice the tropical flavor from the pineapple juice right away. It’s sweet and a little tangy, like fresh fruit. Next comes the smoothness of the two rums – there’s a gentle warmth from the dark rum and a crisp kick from the white rum.

You might catch some orange from the curacao, which adds a soft citrus note that isn’t too sharp. The Galliano brings a unique twist with its hints of vanilla and light herbal spice, making the drink feel a bit more grown-up without being overwhelming.

The dash of grenadine rounds things out with a touch of extra sweetness and just a hint of berry. The aftertaste is clean and refreshing, with the herbal notes from Galliano lingering lightly at the end.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dark Rum

Dark rum is aged longer than white rum, which gives it its deep color and richer flavor. It’s often used in cocktails where you want a bit more complexity. Think hints of molasses, caramel, and even spice.

White Rum

White rum is lighter and usually has a cleaner taste. It’s great in mixed drinks because it doesn’t overpower the other flavors. Brands like Bacardi or Don Q work well.

Orange Curacao

This is a sweet orange-flavored liqueur. It’s clear or sometimes blue or orange in color, but for this drink it doesn’t really matter which you use. Triple sec is another option if you can’t find curacao. So is Cointreau.

Galliano

Galliano is a bright yellow Italian liqueur with flavors of vanilla, anise, and other herbs. It’s often used in drinks like the Harvey Wallbanger, but here it brings a little extra something to the El Cerro.

Pineapple Juice

The pineapple juice gives the El Cerro its tropical twist. Fresh juice is best if you can get it, but canned or bottled will work too.

Grenadine

A dash of grenadine adds just enough sweetness and gives the cocktail that pretty blush color at the bottom of the glass. It’s worth getting a quality bottle or else making your own grenadine.

Variations to Try

One of the fun things about the El Cerro is how easy it is to change up. Here are some ideas:

Try Coconut Rum: Swap out the white rum for coconut rum if you want more tropical flavor.
Add Bitters: A few drops of Angostura bitters can make the drink more complex.
Switch Up the Juice: Try mango or passionfruit juice instead of pineapple for a new twist.
Make it Frozen: Blend all the ingredients with ice to make an El Cerro slushie for hot days.

What to Serve With the El Cerro

Since this drink is fruity and refreshing, it pairs well with foods that have a tropical vibe or a bit of spice. Here are some ideas:

Grilled shrimp skewers
Spicy chicken wings
Pineapple salsa with tortilla chips
Jerk chicken sliders
Fried plantains

These foods help bring out the flavors in the cocktail and make for a fun party menu.

When to Serve the El Cerro

The El Cerro is perfect for summer parties, backyard BBQs, or anytime you want to feel like you’re on vacation. It’s great as a poolside sipper or as part of a tiki night at home.

Because it’s so colorful and has that punchy fruit flavor, it’s also a hit at birthdays or holiday gatherings where you want something special but easy to make.

Can You Make a Pitcher?

Yes! The El Cerro works well as a pitcher drink if you’re serving a crowd. Just multiply all of the ingredients by the number of servings you want, mix everything together in a big pitcher (except the ice), and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Pour over ice in individual glasses when your guests arrive.

Yield: 1 drink