Guadalajara

The Guadalajara is a modern tequila cocktail that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and bitter notes. Created by renowned bartender Phil Ward, it combines the earthy agave flavor of tequila with sweet pineapple juice, the vegetal bitterness of Cynar, and the brightness of fresh lime juice. A pinch of salt acts as a flavor enhancer, tying all the elements together into a sophisticated and incredibly drinkable cocktail.
Guadalajara

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Guadalajara is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It follows a traditional sour template but uses a contemporary combination of ingredients, securing its place in the modern cocktail canon. It is neither a long drink nor a shot, but a sophisticated sipper.

Serving

The Guadalajara is served straight up in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. It is a cold, crisp drink with a moderate alcohol content, ideal for sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 4 oz / 120 ml (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 18-22% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled glass

Backstory

This cocktail was created by Phil Ward at the influential New York City bar Death & Co. in the late 2000s. It exemplifies Ward's "Mr. Potato Head" method of cocktail development, where components in a classic formula are substituted to create something new yet balanced. The Guadalajara quickly became a favorite among tequila and amaro enthusiasts for its unique and satisfying flavor profile.
Origin
New York City, USA, circa 2008. The drink was created by bartender Phil Ward during his tenure at Death & Co., a bar famous for pioneering many modern classic cocktails.

Guadalajara

The drink is consistently known as the Guadalajara, with "Guadalajara Cocktail" being a simple descriptive alternative. It's named after the capital city of Jalisco, the state where tequila is primarily produced. This name firmly roots the cocktail in its tequila heritage.
Original name
Guadalajara
Alternative name
Guadalajara Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This is a highly refreshing summer cocktail with a complex interplay of sweet pineapple, earthy tequila, and herbal bitterness from Cynar. Its aroma is fruity and vegetal, leading to a smooth, crisp texture and a clean, bittersweet finish.
Flavor
Agave, pineapple, herbal, bittersweet, citrusy, slightly salty
Aroma
Pineapple, earthy tequila, vegetal, herbal
Taste balance
Sweet, sour, bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering bitterness, clean, herbal
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Hazy, pale yellow-green
Texture
Smooth, crisp, clean
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink presents a balanced profile where fruitiness from pineapple and sourness from lime are matched by a pleasant herbal bitterness and moderate alcohol strength. A subtle touch of saltiness elevates the overall flavor complexity, making it vibrant and multi-layered.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe calls for blanco tequila, pineapple juice, the artichoke amaro Cynar, and fresh lime juice. A small amount of simple syrup provides balance, while a pinch of salt is crucial for elevating the cocktail's complex flavors.
  • Tequila Blanco1.5 oz / 45 ml
    A 100% agave tequila is recommended for best flavor.
  • Pineapple Juice0.75 oz / 22.5 ml
    Freshly pressed is ideal, but good quality unsweetened canned juice works well.
  • Cynar0.5 oz / 15 ml
    An artichoke-based Italian amaro that provides the signature bitter notes.
  • Lime Juice0.5 oz / 15 ml
    Must be freshly squeezed for brightness.
  • Simple Syrup0.25 oz / 7.5 ml
    A 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust to taste based on the sweetness of your pineapple juice.
  • Salt1 pinch(optional)
    Or 2 drops of a 20% saline solution. Highly recommended to enhance flavors.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for accurate measurements. Double-straining with both a Hawthorne and a fine-mesh strainer is recommended to remove ice chips and pineapple pulp for a smooth texture.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing.
  • Jigger for measuring ingredients.
  • Hawthorne strainer for primary straining.
  • Fine-mesh strainer for double-straining.

Instructions

The preparation is straightforward: add all ingredients to a shaker, shake vigorously with ice to chill and dilute, then double-strain into a pre-chilled coupe glass. The key is a hard shake to properly aerate and chill the drink.
1. Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Combine the tequila, pineapple juice, Cynar, lime juice, simple syrup, and pinch of salt in a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
5. Double-strain the contents through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled glass.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Garnishing

The Guadalajara is traditionally served without a garnish, letting its color and classic glassware speak for themselves. If desired, a lime wheel or a pineapple frond can be added for a decorative touch.
  • None. The drink is typically served ungarnished.

Dietary Information

This is an alcoholic beverage that is typically free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, and nuts, and is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets. The core ingredients are generally gluten-free, but it's wise to verify specific brands if you have a severe intolerance.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains a moderate amount of calories, carbohydrates, and sugar, primarily from the pineapple juice and syrup. The nutritional content can vary slightly depending on the specific brands and freshness of ingredients used.
Calories
Approximately 170-190 kcal / 711-795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 12-15 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 10-13 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for warm weather occasions like summer parties or patio gatherings. Its sophisticated flavor profile also makes it suitable for cocktail hour or as an aperitif before a meal featuring Mexican cuisine.
  • Summer Party
  • Happy Hour
  • Sophisticated Gathering
  • Taco Tuesday

Pairing suggestions

The Guadalajara's blend of agave, fruit, and bitter notes makes it a fantastic partner for Mexican and Latin American foods. It cuts through the richness of dishes like tacos al pastor while complementing the bright flavors of ceviche. It also serves as a great aperitif with salty snacks like spicy nuts or fresh guacamole.
  • Tacos al pastor
  • Ceviche
  • Spicy nuts
  • Guacamole and tortilla chips

The Guadalajara: A Modern Tequila Masterpiece

The Guadalajara is a sophisticated and refreshing modern classic from the mind of bartender Phil Ward. It is a tequila sour elevated by the unique bittersweet, vegetal notes of Cynar and the tropical sweetness of pineapple juice. Perfectly balanced and deceptively easy to drink, it brilliantly showcases how tequila can be used in complex, flavorful cocktails that go far beyond the typical Margarita. It's a must-try for any fan of agave spirits or well-crafted sours.

Similar Cocktails

Siesta

Uses Campari instead of Cynar and grapefruit juice instead of pineapple juice, creating a different but related bitter-citrus profile.

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