Spanish Fly: Spanish Licor 43 & Tequila Cinnamon Rocks Cocktail

The Spanish Fly is a compact tequila and Licor 43 cocktail built for bold contrast. Blanco tequila brings fresh agave and pepper, while the Spanish liqueur adds vanilla, citrus, and warm spice. Crushed ice gradually softens the equal-parts mixture, and a light cinnamon finish reinforces the drink's aromatic, dessert-leaning character.

Background

The documented origin of the Spanish Fly is unclear, and it is not an established historical classic or IBA cocktail. Modern published recipes commonly pair tequila with Spain's Licor 43, often in equal proportions and served over ice. The combination brings together Mexican agave spirit and a well-known Spanish vanilla-and-citrus liqueur in a simple modern cocktail.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Tequila Blanco: Supplies the fresh agave, pepper, and spirit backbone. Reposado tequila works as a rounder, oakier variation.
• Licor 43: Adds concentrated vanilla, citrus, and spice along with most of the drink's sweetness. Tuaca can work in a pinch, although the flavor will not be identical.
• Crushed Ice: Chills the drink quickly and gradually softens its spirit-forward profile.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm aromatic layer across the surface of the cocktail.
• Cinnamon Stick: Provides a simple garnish that reinforces the cinnamon aroma.

Equipment

• Rocks glass
• Jigger
• Bar spoon
• Ice crusher or crushed ice

Equal Parts, Two Very Different Spirits

The Spanish Fly works because neither half disappears. Blanco tequila contributes dry, peppery agave character while Licor 43 answers with vanilla, orange-citrus notes, and sweetness. Crushed ice slowly opens the mixture as you drink, while cinnamon connects the liqueur's warm spice profile with the sharper tequila underneath.

Substitutions & Variations

• Use reposado tequila for more oak, vanilla, and cooked-agave character.
• Substitute Tuaca for Licor 43 when necessary for another vanilla-citrus liqueur profile, understanding that it creates a variation rather than the same drink.
• Serve over a large cube instead of crushed ice for slower dilution and a stronger first sip.
• Replace the ground cinnamon garnish with freshly grated nutmeg for a different warm-spice finish.
• For a drier version, slightly increase the tequila rather than adding citrus or other ingredients that fundamentally change the drink.

Helpful Tips

• Use fresh crushed ice rather than ice that has begun melting in a container.
• Measure both spirits accurately. Equal parts are central to the version used here.
• Stir briefly rather than aggressively so the crushed ice does not become overly diluted before serving.
• Dust the cinnamon lightly. Too much ground spice can collect on the surface and overwhelm the first sip.
• Add the cinnamon stick immediately before serving so its aroma stays pronounced.
• For several drinks, combine equal parts tequila and Licor 43 ahead of time, then portion over fresh crushed ice and garnish each glass individually.