Mexican Martini (Texas Martini)

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

When does a Margarita become a Martini? When it wears a ten-gallon hat, pilgrim.

If someone gives you a cocktail made from tequila, triple sec and lime juice, you’d say to yourself, “a Margarita, awesome!” Unless you’ve traveled down Texas way, Austin specifically. There you’d get a drink made of tequila, lime juice and triple sec—with a splash of olive brine—and no one would fault you for saying, “a Margarita, yee-haw!” But you’d be wrong.

Confused? Don’t be. Tonight’s drink is simple enough, and while you think you’ve had it before when it’s been called a Margarita, you’ll be surprised that the addition of olive brine transforms it into something else, but familiar all the same.

It’s been called the Mexican Martini, the Texas Martini, the Texatini, the Texas ‘Tini and the Austin Margarita. For lack of a better description, it’s what you get when you cross a Dirty Martini with a classic Margarita. In the 1980s, an employee of Austin’s Cedar Door bar had traveled through a dusty border town and stopped in a local cantina to wet their whistle. Ordering a Margarita, they were struck by how it was served… in a martini glass.

Returning to the Cedar Door inspired, this individual took another element of certain Martinis, adding a salty dollop of olive brine into the mixture. They named their new libation the Mexican Martini, which became so popular it became the “unofficial” cocktail of the Live Music Capital of the World.

So the next time you’ve got the blues, throw on some Stevie Ray Vaughan and mix up a few Mexican Martinis. Your troubles will wash away like a Texas flood.

Is the Mexican Martini a Martini?

A traditional Martini is gin and dry vermouth. Vodka is a typical and well-liked substitute for gin, but even some cocktail purists won’t acknowledge that take as an official Martini. The Mexican or Texas Martini might look like one, but is for all intents and purposes a Margarita. It’s the addition of the olive brine that makes it a distinct cocktail.

What Is The Best Tequila To Use In A Mexican Martini?

The liquor you’d choose for a classic Margarita is what you’ll want to use in this cocktail too. A blanco—or silver—tequila is the traditional spirit to use in a recipe like this for good reason. It’s peppery, earthy and spicy enough to carry the heat and satisfying bite you’re looking for in each sip, without overpowering the other flavors. If you’d like a little extra complexity, shake one of these up with a reposado tequila.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

A big part of this cocktail is its presentation, so you’ll want to serve it in a chilled martini glass, with a few plump olives for garnish. Pop your glass into the freezer for up to thirty minutes before preparing and pouring your drink to get it nice and frosty.

WHAT IS OLIVE BRINE?

Olive brine is a simple combination of water, salt and sometimes vinegar. It helps preserve your olives so they don’t shrivel up and dry out. The olive brine adds a hefty dose of saltiness that complements this cocktail nicely. If you find it to be too brackish, you can omit the salt on the rim, keeping your cocktail more on the Martini side of things.

Other Martini-Style Cocktails To Try

You don’t like Martinis, but love a Martini-style tipple. Well, you’re not alone. ‘Tini-looking drams wouldn’t exist if there wasn’t a thirst for them, pun intended. Twist & Toast has a fine selection of colorful and delicious recipes to take for a spin the next time you’re in the mood for something new.

• Grapefruit Martini – Could this tart and tangy vodka cocktail be your next brunch buddy?
• Key Lime Martini – Like a creamy slice of pie in a martini glass.
• French Martini – Chambord gives this elixir its Parisian flavor.
• Lemon Drop Martini – Sour and sweet, this ice-cold concoction will excite your taste buds.