Created by Trader Vic himself, this tasty recipe takes its inspiration from a 1930s classic.
The Matador is one of those drinks that reminds me of a time I never knew. My imagination begins to conjure up images of long sea voyages and steamer trunks, train rides and chilled bottles of champagne. Maybe a little mystery and intrigue thrown in to keep things exciting. With every sip, I fantasize about meeting up with old writer chums, playing baccarat, and being told of the latest trend in cocktails that I absolutely must try. “I say, have you heard of this libation called tequila?”
In 1930s England, tequila was a new import and just beginning to gain popularity. By 1937, several drinks featuring this new, exotic spirit were featured in the Café Royal Cocktail Book by London bartender William J. Tarling, one of them being the first recorded recipe for the Matador. That concoction was a mixture of tequila, orange curaçao, and dry vermouth. The version we’re looking at today is a little different.
By the 1970s, legendary tiki bar owner Trader Vic had crafted his own version of the cocktail for his famous chain of establishments. This recipe nixed the liqueur and vermouth and added both lime and pineapple juice, giving the drink a more tropical flair. This particular mixture had been documented as early as 1962 in a Jose Cuervo booklet, but most mixologists and bartenders agree that ol’ Vic kept the Matador from disappearing into history. I’ll drink to that.
What is the best tequila to use in a Matador?
This drink is such a simple and easy one to put together that you can pull out a few different types of tequila and have some fun with it. I personally like to use blanco tequila as it mixes nicely and doesn’t overwhelm or disappear into whatever I’m making. It also smooths out the tart sweetness of the pineapple and lime combination. For something more complex and robust, give a good reposado or añejo tequila a go, something that’s been aged and has some extra character to it.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces tequila
- 1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Pineapple wedge or frond to garnish, optional
Instructions
- Pour the tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Seal the shaker and give it a good shake for about 15 to 20 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge or frond if desired.
Nutrition
What kind of glassware and garnish are used?
We’ll be raising an elegant and chilled coupe glass when we toast with our Matadors. Garnish with a pineapple frond or pineapple wedge for a classic presentation.
Do you have a good movie that pairs well with the Matador Cocktail?
The Matador with Pierce Brosnan. For obvious reasons.
Similar drinks to the Matador Cocktail
Tiki, tequila, and Twist&Toast go well together, especially when you want to try out a new drink for a party or just a weekend at home. If you liked the Matador, give these other delicious cocktails a try:
- Tia Mia – A mezcal- and rum-based riff on the Mai Tai.
- Tequila Old Fashioned – Tequila proves itself a worthy substitute in this version of the legendary drink.
- Blue Margarita – Another tiki favorite that hails from Southern California, this bright blue baby is the perfect poolside sipper.
- Tequila Sunrise – Learn to make the perfect version of this popular classic for the ultimate summer treat.
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