Contrary to popular belief, the Mexican martini is not actually from Mexico. Created in Texas, this popular summer cocktail is a delicious blend of two classics: a Dirty Martini and a classic Margarita. The sugary lime flavours of the Margarita are mellowed by the “dirty” olive juice of the Martini, with crisp vermouth to seal the deal. No surprise that the result is so quenchable!
Mexican Martini
PREP TIME 5 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
Make a small slit in the centre of a lime wedge and run the wedge around the rim of your martini glass before dipping it into a plate of kosher salt.
02
Fill a cocktail shaker (or mason jar) with ice, add the tequila, orange liqueur and dry vermouth with the lime and olive juice.
03
Shake well until cold.
04
Strain into your prepped Martini glass, garnish and serve.
How to make a Mexican Martini
Start by making a classic Margarita (tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice) and shake over ice with dry vermouth. Add the magic ingredient, not to be missed, a splash of olive brine or juice from the olive jar. Don’t skimp on the shaking, Mexican Martini is best served chilled.
How to serve a Mexican Martini
Honouring its name, serve it in a chilled martini glass with a Margarita-style salt-dipped rim. To salt your glass, all you need to do is make a small slit in the centre of a lime wedge and run the wedge around the rim of the glass before dipping the rim into a plate of rock salt.
To make the ultimate Mexican Martini recipe, choose a good tequila. We favour a reposado—an aged tequila stands up well with other strong flavours. The second golden rule is to remember when it comes to juice is, fresh is best.
Don’t let the long list of ingredients fool you, it’s ready to pour in 3 easy steps. Rim, shake and strain. Ole’!
Mexican Martini variations and garnish
If you prefer a more savoury or dry drink, add another dash of olive brine. If you like it sweeter, add a splash of fresh orange or lemon juice, or fizzy lime and sweetness. And if you’d like to really up the Texan BBQ vibes, add a drop of your favourite liquid smoke.
To garnish, start with a simple classic of one or two olives on a spear with a wedge of lime, or if spicy is your thing, try jalapeño-stuffed olives. For more garnish pizazz and extra zing, add lime or orange zest into the plate of coarse rim salt.
Best occasion to serve a Mexican Martini
In the margarita state of mind and want to impress your friends with something different? Bring the fiesta vibes and make this cocktail a staple for your Tex-Mex party. In fact, this Mexican Martini recipe is so snappy to scale up for party prep, you can make a jug in advance.
In the chilly months, it’s a winning winter warmer for New Year’s Eve celebrations and makes any chilly Christmas festive. All that said, there’s no rule against shaking one up for Taco Tuesday.
Speedy cocktail prep leaves you plenty of time to whip up or order in a few Tex Mex favourites. Mexican cocktails always play nicely with:
- stacked nachos
- avocado tacos
- spicy chicken wings
- migas
- Enchiladas
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Very different from a typical martini, savoury and sweet flavours combine to taste more like a very zesty margarita.
A Mexican Martini is really just a large margarita with a dash of olive brine (the dirty martini element) and a tot of dry vermouth. It is zestier and not as sweet.
Not wanting to start a hot debate, the source is not Mexico, but Austin, Texas. A few local bars fight ownership; the Tex-Mex eatery, Trudy’s Texas Star and the hipster Cedar Door Bar and Grill. Whoever you choose to believe, they all say it’s one of the best drinks out there.
