Perfect Mexican Martini (Tequila Martini)

Do you like martinis and tequila? This Mexican martini is packed with zesty flavors, with lime, tequila and an olive garnish.

Looking to shake up your standard margarita repertoire? try it mexican martini, aka Tequila Martini! There are many variations on this fusion concept. This recipe combines the best of a classic martini and a classic margarita in the same glass! Like a good margarita, it’s seriously flavorful, not overly sweet, and citrusy. Then it has hints of dry vermouth like a martini and is topped with an olive. And don’t forget the salt ledge! It’s the perfect one-on-one cocktail to impress a group of guests or sip a basket of chips. That’s how it’s done!

What’s in a Mexican Martini?

The Mexican martini is basically a margarita served as a martini that was invented in Texas. The exact history of the drink is unclear and there are many variations. Sometimes it’s a sweet sprite-based drink and other versions are drier. Some variations even use olive brine (the juice from a jar of olives)! This recipe combines elements of a classic margarita and a classic martini to create a new cocktail. Here’s what you need to make the best Mexican martini:

• tequila
• Cointreau
• lime juice
• Dry vermouth
• Garnish with olives

The Cointreau brings just enough sweetness to balance the acidity of the lime. Dry Vermouth brings the vibe of a dry martini made with gin and vermouth. Add that olive garnish and you’re ready for the martini! If you prefer your drinks sweet, you can add some simple syrup.

How to Make a Mexican Martini (3 Basic Steps!)

Ready to drink? Here’s how to make a Mexican Tequila Martini. This drink follows the basic “shake and strain” pattern for cocktails:

1. Rim the glass with salt. A classic Mexican martini is served in a martini glass with salt on the rim to evoke the margarita vibe.
2. Shake in a cocktail shaker. Take tequila, Cointreau, lime, and dry vermouth and shake them together in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. (Don’t have one? Use a mason jar!)
3. Pour into a glass and add the garnish. Strain the drink into the cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and an olive.

Tips for making a salt rim

The best type of salt for salt limitation is kosher salt or sea salt flakes. Why? They have a nice thick texture. If you want to add a little flair, try this Salt Margarita: the orange and lime zest looks like beautiful confetti! Here are some tips on how to make a salt rim for this Mexican martini:

1. Spread the salt in an even layer on a plate.
2. Take a lime wedge and cut a notch in the middle: then slide it around the rim of the glass. This will perfectly wet the edge of the glass without having to use your fingers!
3. Tip the glass into the salt so that only the outer rim goes into the salt.
4. Shake out loose salt in the sink.

Triple Sec or Cointreau?

The classic orange liqueur for a margarita is Cointreau. Some recipes call for triple sec, but it’s not that good. Cointreau has a balanced orange perfume flavor between bitter and sweet, while Triple Sec can have a harsher taste.

If you’re unsure about buying a bottle for that tequila martini, don’t worry! There’s a long list of Cointreau drinks that use it: all of our Margarita, Cosmopolitan, White Lady, Mimosa recipes, and more.

More martini recipes

The Mexican martini is a martini in name only: it’s not a real martini! But there are so many other “martinis” that bear little resemblance to the classic martini. Flavored martinis are a modern invention: most use vodka and semi-sweet to sweet. Here are some of our favorite martini recipes, both classic and flavored:

• Dirty Martini Serve it “dirty” with olive juice and it will round off the sip with a brackish taste.
• Vesper Martini invented by James Bond! Crunchy and herbaceous, with Lillet Blanc, gin and vodka.
• Gibson Cocktail Same as a classic martini… except for the garnish!
• Key Lime Martini Fruity and fun, with a graham cracker crust crust! And alcohol 43.
• Lemon Drop Martini or Limoncello Martini Fizzy and full of citrus notes.
• Pomegranate Martini or Watermelon Martini These jewel-toned drinks are tart and light: the perfect fruity twist.
• Cucumber Martini A crisp, fresh take with the refreshing scent of this hydrating vegetable.
• Espresso martini or coffee martini Made with coffee, Kahlua and vodka. Perfect for coffee lovers!
• Raspberry Martini Bright red and full of berry flavor!
• Chocolate Martini Rich, creamy and so decadent.
• Ginger Martini The tangy flavor of fresh roots shines in this ginger cocktail!
• French Martini Perfectly matched with vodka, pineapple juice and raspberry liqueur.

When to serve a Mexican martini

This Mexican Martini is fun and unique! It’s great like:

• signature drink
• Happy hour drink
• Drink at dinner
• Late night drinks
• Evening drink between boys or between girls
• Aperitif at aperitif time

More Mexican cocktails

There are many delicious Mexican cocktails! Here are some other Mexican cocktails to try:

• Paloma Cocktail Grapefruit and tequila, with a salty twist!
• Mexican Mule The best version of a classic Moscovite Mule, with tequila and lime.
• Michelada A spicy Mexican beer cocktail made with tomato juice, lime, and hot sauce!
• Classic Chelada A sparkling, light and refreshing Mexican beer cocktail.
• Ranch Water A Texas-style tequila highball drink made with lime, tequila and topo chico.
• Bloody Maria The Mexican take on a classic Bloody Mary, with… you guessed it! Tequila.
• 15 Best Margarita Recipes The best tricks on a margarita: Italian, Cadillac, spicy, mezcal and more.