Matador

The Matador is a classic tequila-based cocktail that beautifully balances the agave spirit with sweet pineapple juice and tart fresh lime juice. Often overshadowed by its cousin, the Margarita, it offers a distinctly tropical and fruit-forward experience. It is a simple, three-ingredient drink that is incredibly easy to make and perfect for warm weather. The result is a smooth, vibrant, and utterly delicious beverage.
Matador

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Matador is classified as a classic cocktail, belonging to the sour family of drinks due to its combination of a spirit, citrus, and a sweet element. It is celebrated for its simple yet elegant composition, typical of many mid-century classic cocktails. Its straightforward, shaken preparation places it firmly in the mainstream of cocktail types.

Serving

The Matador is a moderately sized cocktail served ice-cold in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Its alcohol content is noticeable but well-integrated, making for a smooth and approachable drink.
Serving size
Approximately 120-150 ml / 4-5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The exact origins of the Matador are unclear, but it is believed to have emerged in the 1940s or 1950s. Some suggest it was created in Mexico as a simple way to enjoy tequila with readily available tropical fruits. It gained popularity through mentions in cocktail books of the era, though it never reached the ubiquitous fame of the Margarita. It remains a beloved classic for those who appreciate a straightforward and refreshing tequila cocktail.
Origin
Likely Mexico or the United States, mid-20th century (circa 1940s-1950s).

Matador

The drink is almost universally known simply as the Matador, with "Matador Cocktail" being a slightly more formal alternative name. There are no other widely recognized names for this classic recipe. It is named after the Spanish term for a bullfighter, evoking a sense of boldness and flair.
Original name
Matador
Alternative name
Matador Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This cocktail has a vibrant aroma of fresh pineapple and lime, leading to a flavor that perfectly balances fruity sweetness with a sour kick and earthy agave notes. Its smooth texture, pale yellow appearance, and refreshing character make it an ideal summer drink.
Flavor
fruity, tropical, sweet, tart, agave
Aroma
pineapple, citrus, tequila
Taste balance
sweet, sour
Aftertaste
clean, fruity, short
Fizziness
still
Color appearance
pale yellow, hazy, translucent
Texture
smooth, light, crisp
Seasonality
refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Matador is intensely fruity and moderately sweet and sour, with a noticeable but not overpowering alcohol presence. It is a still drink with no bitterness, saltiness, or spiciness, resulting in a well-balanced tropical flavor profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This simple cocktail requires only three key ingredients: a good quality tequila as the base, sweet pineapple juice, and a small amount of fresh lime juice for balance. The quality of each ingredient significantly impacts the final taste.
  • Reposado Tequila60 ml / 2 oz
    A quality 100% agave tequila works best. Reposado adds a slight smoothness, but Blanco is also excellent for a crisper taste.
  • Pineapple Juice90 ml / 3 oz
    Freshly pressed juice is ideal for the brightest flavor, but good quality canned or bottled juice works well.
  • Fresh Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for the best flavor and to provide the necessary tart balance to the sweet pineapple.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

To prepare a Matador, you will need standard bar equipment including a cocktail shaker with a strainer and a jigger for precise measurements. These tools are essential for properly chilling, diluting, and mixing the drink.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Jigger for accurately measuring liquids.
  • Strainer for pouring the drink without ice.

Instructions

The preparation is straightforward: chill a glass, combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake until cold, and strain into the glass. Finish with a simple garnish before serving.
1. Chill your serving glass by placing a coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer for a few minutes before you begin.
2. Add all ingredients to a shaker by pouring the tequila, pineapple juice, and fresh lime juice into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice, seal it, and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into your chilled glass to remove ice shards.
5. Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge or a lime wheel on the rim of the glass and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple garnish that complements the drink's ingredients, such as a fresh pineapple wedge or a thin lime wheel, adds a visual and aromatic touch. A pineapple frond can also be used for a more tropical look.
  • Pineapple wedge, placed on the rim of the glass.
  • Lime wheel, placed on the rim or floated on top of the drink.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, gluten, soy, and nuts. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets and does not contain caffeine.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and the natural sugars in the pineapple juice. The carbohydrate and sugar content are significant due to the use of fruit juice.
Calories
Approximately 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 12-17 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink's tropical and refreshing nature makes it perfect for warm-weather occasions like summer parties, poolside lounging, and barbecues. It's also an excellent choice for a casual happy hour or as a simple aperitif before a meal.
  • Summer party
  • Happy hour
  • Barbecue
  • Casual gathering

Pairing suggestions

The Matador's tropical and citrus notes pair wonderfully with Latin American and spicy cuisines. It cuts through the richness of grilled meats like tacos al pastor and complements the fresh flavors of seafood dishes such as ceviche or grilled fish. It is also an excellent match for spicy appetizers.
  • Tacos al pastor
  • Grilled fish or shrimp
  • Spicy chicken wings
  • Fresh ceviche

The Matador: A Bold and Tropical Tequila Classic

The Matador is an underrated classic that offers a delightful alternative to more common tequila cocktails. Its simple, three-ingredient formula highlights the tropical harmony between pineapple and tequila, balanced perfectly by a hint of lime. Easy to make and incredibly refreshing, it's a versatile drink suitable for a quiet afternoon or a lively summer party. For anyone who enjoys tequila and fruit-forward flavors, the Matador is a must-try.

Similar Cocktails

Margarita

A classic tequila sour that uses lime juice and orange liqueur (like Cointreau) instead of pineapple juice.

Tequila Sunrise

Another tequila and fruit juice classic, but uses orange juice and a grenadine float for a layered look and different flavor.

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