The Mexican Martini is a kicked up version of your traditional margarita with a little extra booze & the perfect balance of sweet & salty...
Whew! I am getting this recipe up on the blog just in time for your all's Cinco de Mayo celebrations later today and this weekend. Talk about cutting it close, but I pulled through for you all. ;)
Now I know some of you all are already scratching your heads wondering just what in the world is a Mexican Martini. Let me enlighten you all for second or two.
I had my first sip of a Mexican Martini when I traveled to Austin, Texas last month for a food blogger conference. The first night of our stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Downtown Austin, the conference attendees were treated to a tasting menu from the hotel's in-house restaurant, @SOCO Bars + Bites.
As we munched on BBQ rubbed pork belly & gazpacho shooters, servers walked around with trays offering us some of the bar's signature cocktails. The cocktail I happened to fall hard for was their version of the Mexican Martini.
Of course, I only wish I had known what a boozy kick that they packed before I drank three of them (yes, three of them). Let's just say that the first morning of the conference was just a little rough for me... ;)
Okay, so let's get down to what makes a Mexican Martini not a margarita. Because it starts with basically the same ingredients that you would use to make a margarita- tequila, triple sec, & fresh lime juice.
But this cocktail has a little salty kick from a splash of olive brine. Yep, you read that right folks- olive brine, the juice from that jar of green olives you have in the fridge.
But you also add a little splash of orange juice in there to balance out the saltiness from the brine with a touch more sweetness. And trust me when I say this, you all- It is absolutely delicious!
Though no one seems to know the exact origins of the Mexican Martini, it definitely was created and originated in the city of Austin. Rumor has it that a bartender for Cedar Door visited a town on the Mexican border & ordered a margarita.
Though no one seems to know the exact origins of the Mexican Martini, it definitely was created and originated in the city of Austin. Rumor has it that a bartender for Cedar Door visited a town on the Mexican border & ordered a margarita.
The margarita she was served came in a martini glass, and she brought the idea back with her to work. The olive brine & olive garnish were added to pay homage to the classic dirty martini.
Now a word to the wise- a Mexican Martini has twice the tequila in it that a normal margarita does, so go easy with these. Or you just may wake up the next morning with a wicked hangover. ;)
And since we are doubling the tequila in this cocktail, don't use a cheap tequila here, folks. If you can afford the really good stuff, then do splurge. I used a middle of the road tequila in this & was very happy with the end result.
The Mexican Martini
Now a word to the wise- a Mexican Martini has twice the tequila in it that a normal margarita does, so go easy with these. Or you just may wake up the next morning with a wicked hangover. ;)
And since we are doubling the tequila in this cocktail, don't use a cheap tequila here, folks. If you can afford the really good stuff, then do splurge. I used a middle of the road tequila in this & was very happy with the end result.
The Mexican Martini
by
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: None
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 3 ounces of good quality tequila (try an anejo or reposado)
- 1.5 ounces of triple sec or Cointreau
- Juice from 1 fresh lime
- 1 tablespoon of green olive brine
- Splash of orange juice
- Green olives & lime wedges, for garnish
- Salt to rim glass
Instructions
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, olive brine, and orange juice. Shake well. Strain into a chilled, salt rimmed martini glass. Garnish with green olives & a lime wedge.
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Have you visited Austin & tried a Mexican Martini before? :)
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