GUADALAJARA
The Guadalajara: A City-Inspired Tequila Classic
The Guadalajara cocktail appeared in bartending manuals from the mid-20th century, though its exact creator remains unknown. The drink was named after Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state and the birthplace of tequila, according to Difford's Guide.
The cocktail combines tequila with dry vermouth and Bénédictine, creating a spirit-forward drink similar to a Martinez or dry Manhattan. The dry vermouth adds botanical complexity while Bénédictine contributes honeyed herbal notes that complement tequila's agave character, as noted in Kindred Cocktails.
The Guadalajara represents early attempts to create sophisticated, stirred tequila cocktails that showcased the spirit in European-style aperitif formats. The drink remained relatively obscure but occasionally appears as bartenders explore forgotten tequila classics.
RECIPE:
2 oz tequila (blanco or reposado)
1 oz dry vermouth
1/4 oz Bénédictine
Lemon twist for garnish
Method:
Add tequila, dry vermouth, and Bénédictine to a mixing glass with ice.
Stir until well-chilled, about 30 seconds.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Express lemon twist over the drink and garnish.