Cabo Diablo combines coffee and tequila in one shot

Cabo Diablo is a must try if you love coffee, tequila, and taking shots. It combines all three in one ice cold slice of soon-to-be drunken heaven.

Colin Joliat

Sammy Hagar took a page out of Jimmy Buffett’s playbook when he started his tequila brand, Cabo Wabo. He declared Cabo Wabo to be a lifestyle, much like Margaritaville is a state of mind. And while I’m all for clever marketing, the real reason behind the success of the brand was the former Van Halen lead singer’s own popularity and a damn fine tequila.

Cabo Wabo is now owned by Campari, and they decided it was time to add something new to the lineup. The result is the shot-focused Cabo Diablo, which is a 70-proof coffee liqueur with a kick of tequila. Patron’s similar product, XO Cafe, has seen great success, so it’s a smart move to try to join the party.

Cabo Diablo is quite different from XO Cafe though. While Patron’s offering is tequila first with espresso to flavor, coffee leads the charge in Diablo. And oh what a charge it is. There’s are plenty of coffee liqueurs on the market, but this one must have been made by the hero in your office who brews 7am pot super strong. That’s who you want above the filter when you’re mixing coffee and tequila. The potent 100% Arabica (for you coffee snobs) has some chocolate and vanilla notes and acts as a perfect base for the sweet agave kick from the tequila.

Some people have a natural cringe prior to anything involving tequila, but you can save that for next time you’re drinking el Toro. A shot of Cabo Diablo had exactly zero burn. Cabo Wabo’s Blanco tequila has very little to being with, but the agave goodness sits right in the middle of the Diablo shot and is nowhere to be found when it comes time to swallow. The coffee and tequila somehow play perfectly together.

It’s no secret that I think mixed shots are a waste of precious glass space, so making something that’s 70-proof and tastes good will always get my attention. This ended up being an outstanding option. You likely won’t see chilled shot machines like Jägermeister has on bars anytime soon, but Cabo Diablo definitely fits the same niche. If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll want to get your hands on Diablo immediately. If you hate having to suck down your morning cup of caffeine, I’d steer clear. Also, grow up.

Colin Joliat

The label changes in the freezer, further proving they want you to shoot cold.