Love a dirty martini? Just wait until you taste what a little olive juice can do to a margarita! While the Mexican Martini's ingredient list might appear strange at first glance, make no mistake -- it all comes together in one very chill and entirely harmonious cocktail symphony.
Mexican Martinis are quick and easy to mix up at home and absolutely perfect for a Tex-Mex night at home!
Looking for more awesome cocktail recipes to try? Bookmark our light and refreshing Watermelon Martini in your internet browser for next time!
WHAT IS A MEXICAN MARTINI
Ironically, the origin story of the Mexican Martini begins at an Irish bar called The Cedar Door, located in downtown Austin, Texas.
While there's no way to determine whether or not this establishment was the actual first to shake up this martini, they are, nonetheless, getting the internet credit for it.
There are two main differences between a Mexican Martini recipe and a margarita. One is the olive brine and the other is the glassware.
The olive juice addition makes this cocktail a bit less sweet than a margarita, and a little more balanced for those who like their cocktails on the dry side.
And, as far as the glassware goes, the Mexican Martini is served in a martini glass, not over ice in a margarita glass!
WHAT'S IN A MEXICAN MARTINI?
You can't make a Mexican Martini without making a margarita first. That's why you'll see lots of overlapping items on the ingredient list, with the exception of the orange and the olive juice.
Not all margarita recipes call for fresh-squeezed orange juice, but it is a classic flavor pairing with olives. In this particular cocktail, the orange juice mellows out the briney-ness and brings all of the flavors together in perfect harmony. Therefore, in the case of the Mexican Martini, consider it an essential ingredient.
- Tequila
- Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or Triple Sec
- Lime Juice
- Orange Juice
- Simple Syrup
- Olive Juice or Brine
Tequila | The tequila and the liqueur are where you can really make or break a Mexican Martini.
As far as tequilas go, go for a high-quality silver tequila if you want a more mildly flavored Mexican Martini and a reposado for a bolder tequila taste. The same goes for something like a Cadillac Margarita.
Liqueur | If you're able, go for a quality orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau. These are smooth-sipping orange-flavored sweeteners that will balance the booziness of the tequila and mellow out the acidity of the lime juice in your martini.
Juice | Speaking of lime juice (and orange juice, for that matter), fresh is always best. Squeeze your own juice for this cocktail, and leave the bottled stuff behind.
Simple Syrup | Simple syrup is a mix of equal parts water and sugar boiled together until it becomes a thin, viscous syrup. You can make a homemade simple syrup or you can buy it pre-made in a squirt bottle both at the liqueur store and likely in the adult beverage section of your local grocery store and liquor stores.
Olive Juice | As for the olive juice, you can use the brine directly out of the olive jar or you might be able to find the juice itself bottled at the liquor store.
HOW TO MAKE A MEXICAN MARTINI
Mexican martinis come together just like any other martini! With a martini glass and a cocktail shaker in hand. Note, if you would like a salted rim on your martini, you will need to do this before you add any of the ingredients to the glass!
To add a salted rim to a martini glass, add about a quarter cup to ⅓ of a cup of kosher salt to a small plate. Then cut a slit into a lime wedge and run the lime wedge around the rim of the glass, wherever you would like salt to adhere. (Pst! Check out our Pineapple Margarita recipe for more fun salt rim ideas!) Set the glass aside and prepare your shaker.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, and add all of your Mexican Martini ingredients directly to the shaker. This includes tequila, Cointreau (or other orange liqueur/triple sec product), fresh lime juice, fresh-squeezed orange juice, simple syrup, and olive juice or brine.
Use a cocktail jigger or a measuring pitcher to measure out your ingredients for pouring. Once all of your ingredients are in the shaker seal it shut, and shake vigorously for 30 to 45 seconds. A proper martini should have ice crystals floating across the surface so don't skimp on the shaking!
Pour the contents of the shaker into the prepared martini glass and garnish with a cocktail pick loaded with green olives. Serve and enjoy!
Want to try another at-home cocktail? Check out our Frozen Margaritas next!
6 MORE COCKTAIL RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
- Strawberry Margarita
- Strawberry Basil Cocktail
- Watermelon Martini
- Peach Daiquiri
- Watermelon Margarita
- Frozen Strawberry Margarita
Strawberry Margaritas On the Rocks
Strawberry Basil Cocktail
Watermelon Martini Recipe
Peach Daiquiri
Watermelon Margaritas Recipe
Frozen Strawberry Margaritas
All you need to make the perfect Mexican Martini at home is tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime and orange, a little olive brine, and this recipe!
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or triple sec
- 1 ounce fresh-squeezed lime juice
- 1 ounce fresh-squeezed orange juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- ½ ounce olive brine or juice
- olives and cocktail picks for garnishing
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Add tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, olive juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
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Add the lid and shake vigorously for 30-45 seconds.
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Strain into a martini glass, garnish with a pick of olives, serve, and enjoy!
