Mexican Martini Recipe

Next Thursday is Cinco de Mayo, and there’s a new tequila drink of the moment: the Mexican martini. Instead of ordering a margarita or shooting tequila, try this Austin import.

The Mexican martini was born in the late 70’s when a bartender at Cedar Door Restaurant in Austin, was served a margarita in a martini glass on a trip to Mexico. She returned to Texas raving about the drink, and Cedar Door created its own version, adding in olives.

The Mexican martini has since become a Tex-Mex staple and the signature drink of Austin. It comes in many forms: some bartenders are certain it should be served in a shaker, while others serve the drink as a classic martini, but with tequila instead of gin or vodka. Some don’t make the drink without adding olive brine or muddling olives and peppers.

This cocktail is hard to find outside of Austin, but is featured at the newly opened authentic Tex-Mex cantina El Original in New York City.

Mexican Martini Recipe

Developed by Garrett Flanagan for El Original

• 1.5 oz. Lime Juice
• 1.5 oz. Simple Syrup
• 3 oz. Tequila
• 0.5 oz. Olive Juice

Shake with ice, pour into martini glass, garnish with olives and enjoy!