43 Amigos – Tequila & Licor 43 Citrus Sour

The 43 Amigos is a streamlined tequila sour that leans on Licor 43 for its signature flavor. Instead of stacking multiple liqueurs, this version keeps things tight—letting vanilla, citrus, and agave play clearly in each sip. It’s bright, slightly rounded, and built for clean, repeatable results.

Background

The drink draws inspiration from Margarita-style builds but swaps the usual orange liqueur focus for Licor 43. This Spanish liqueur brings vanilla and citrus complexity, giving the cocktail a softer, more aromatic profile while still keeping the backbone of tequila and lime intact.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• Tequila Blanco – the crisp agave base that anchors the drink
• Licor 43 – adds vanilla sweetness and citrus complexity
• Lime Juice – provides acidity and structure

Substitution tip: No Licor 43? Try a split of vanilla liqueur and light orange liqueur to approximate the profile.

Equipment

• Shaker
• Strainer (and fine strainer)
• Coupe glass
• Jigger

Where It Stands Out

This drink succeeds by subtraction. Removing extra liqueurs keeps the flavor focused, allowing the Licor 43 to do real work instead of competing for space. The result is smoother than a Margarita, with a softer citrus edge and a rounded finish.

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap tequila for mezcal for a light smoky version
• Add a pinch of salt or a half rim for a Margarita-style feel
• Serve over ice in a rocks glass for a more relaxed presentation
• Add a small dash of orange bitters to sharpen the citrus edge

Helpful Tips

• Shake longer than you think—proper dilution is key here
• Use fresh lime juice; bottled will flatten the drink
• Double strain for a cleaner texture in the coupe
• Chill your glass to keep the drink tight and refreshing