Cactus Jack
Shake ∙ 3 min ∙ 10.1% ABV ∙
The Cactus Jack shakes tequila reposado with blue curaçao, orange, pineapple and lemon juice, served up in a martini glass. Tropical and citrus-forward, with tart orange and pineapple riding over a faint bitter-orange curaçao note and a clean, tequila-warmed finish.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Shake all ingredients with ice: Tequila reposado 30 mlBlue Curaçao 20 mlOrange juice 40 mlPineapple juice 30 mlLemon juice 15 ml
- Fine strain into the chilled glass
- Garnish with a pineapple leaf
Tips
- Shake all five ingredients hard with ice for a full 12-15 seconds since the juice-heavy mix needs vigorous agitation to aerate and chill properly before straining.
- Fine-strain into the martini glass to catch pulp from the fresh orange and lemon juice, giving a cleaner, brighter blue color without cloudy bits.
- Add the Blue Curaçao last before shaking so its sugar content doesn't sink and clump, ensuring even color distribution once strained.
- Stand the pineapple leaf upright at the glass rim rather than laying it flat, keeping it dry so it doesn't wilt into the drink.
FAQ
What is a Cactus Jack made of?
Tequila reposado, blue curaçao, fresh orange juice, pineapple juice, and fresh lemon juice, shaken and served up in a martini glass. The curaçao gives it a bright blue color alongside the tropical citrus mix.
How do you make a Cactus Jack step by step?
Combine tequila reposado, blue curaçao, fresh orange juice, pineapple juice, and fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice, shake hard, and fine-strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a pineapple leaf and serve immediately while cold.
What do you mix Cactus Jack with?
It is built on tequila reposado mixed with blue curaçao, orange juice, pineapple juice, and lemon juice, all shaken together rather than added one at a time. No additional mixer is needed beyond these five ingredients.
Is a Cactus Jack strong?
No, it is a relatively light cocktail at about 10.1% ABV, roughly a third the strength of a straight spirit pour. The tequila is balanced by a substantial amount of citrus and pineapple juice, which keeps the drink easy-drinking rather than boozy.
Is a Cactus Jack shaken or stirred?
Shaken. The citrus and juice components need the vigorous aeration and quick chill of a shake to blend properly; stirring would leave the juices separated and under-chilled.
What glass is a Cactus Jack served in?
A martini glass, served up and garnished with a pineapple leaf.
