Matador Norteño

Alex Valencia, La Contenta Oeste | New York

Lions Tail Cocktail Recipe

A riff on Trader Vic’s “Tequila Matador,” this drink showcases another agave-based spirit: sotol.  “This cocktail is helping the category of sotol to be more recognized,” says Alex Valencia, noting that the drink is a customer favorite. Use fresh-pressed pineapple juice if you can.

Ingredients

Serving: 1

  • 2 ounces sotol
  • 2 ounces sotol
  • 3/4 ounce lemon juice
  • 3/4 ounce lemon juice
  • 3/4 ounce pineapple juice
  • 3/4 ounce pineapple juice
  • 1/2 ounce agave syrup (2:1, agave nectar:water)
  • 1/2 ounce agave syrup (2:1, agave nectar:water)
  • 4-5 drops habanero-infused vodka (see Editor's Note)
  • 4-5 drops habanero-infused vodka (see Editor's Note)
  • 1 small pinch cilantro
  • 1 small pinch cilantro

Garnish: expressed and discarded lemon peel

Directions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing tin and shake with ice.
  2. Double strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
  3. Twist lemon peel over top of drink to express essential oils, then discard the peel.
Editor's Note

Habanero-Infused Vodka:
1 habanero pepper
1 cup vodka

Slice habanero pepper in half and steep it in vodka for 3-5 hours. Remove pepper and discard.

Tagged: agave, sotol

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