Tequila Matador

Cafe Royal’s TEQUILA MATADOR is the original recipe combining equal parts tequila, dry vermouth and orange curacao. It’s more like a martini-style Tequini than a tropical pineapple version published in Trader Vic’s Bartender’s Guide, 1972. This “perfect” version is spirit-weighted without any juice and is drier.

Requirements: tequila (silver preferred), dry vermouth, orange curacao

• 1 oz. tequila
• 1 oz. dry vermouth
• 1 oz. orange curacao

Add ingredients to an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.

History: In 1937, London’s Cafe Royal Cocktail Book included this popular mix along with others as compiled by head bartender and president of the U.K. Bartender’s Guild, William Tarling. It was one of the first cocktail books to include recipes using tequila and vodka.

Comments: This version of the Tequila Matador is less fruity than Trader Vic’s and is better served as a martini replacement. It’s a good sipping cocktail that can be served by stirring as well as by shaking. Since it doesn’t hide behind lime or pineapple juice, the better the spirits used the better the drink.

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