The Matador is a cocktail with a really cool name and a strong punch, both in alcohol and in flavor. A tequila sour that you’ll surely never forget.
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What is Matador?
The Matador is a type of tequila sour, comprised of tequila, lime juice, and pineapple juice. Some recipes also call for triple sec, while others call for simple syrup. The Matador I know relies only on the sweetness of pineapple juice, as much or as little as it is.
The origin and name of this cocktail isn’t well known, but the name is very cool and it makes you order one just to see what it’d taste like.
Matador Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 oz tequila
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 0.75 oz lime juice
Instructions
- In a shaker combine tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, ice. Shake very well.
- Strain into chilled coupe glass.
Notes
When is this drink best ?
I think the Matador works best as a pre-dinner cocktail, or as a digestive after dinner. The lime and pineapple juice in it add some extra acidity that can either turn up your appetite or help you get through a large dinner.
I see the Matador as a summer drink, since both tequila and pineapple have a tropical, summery, beachy vibe to them.
My thoughts on Matador
I found the Matador to be well on the sour side, so I’d class this as a tequila sour, despite the pineapple juice. The lime juice is strong here, so fi you’re not a fan of sours, consider using less lime juice. However the combination of lime juice and pineapple juice bring an acidity that pairs very well with tequila, and together all three bring out some very fruity notes.
Despite the amount of pineapple juice, tequila is still very noticeable. It’s not as great a pairing as rum and pineapple, so you gotta love the tequila you’re using in here.
If you like Matador, you might also like…
Tequila Sour – a version of the sour, with tequila
Margarita – another tequila sour
Pineapple Martini – a vodka version of the Matador
Mexican Firing Squad – a tequila, grenadine, and bitters mix
Notes, substitutes, and tips
The tequila you use will shine through, so make sure it’s you favorite tequila, regardless of its age or color.
Shaking pineapple juice will get you a decent amount of foam. You can keep it in the glass or you can double strain it, depending on your preferences.
