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Home » Recipes » Beverages

Published: May 4, 2020 · Modified: May 11, 2022 by Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Spicy Mexican Martini

Jump to Recipe

Looking to branch out from your standard margarita? You’ll love this spicy Mexican martini! With just a few ingredients, this tequila martini comes together quickly and couldn’t be easier to make for even the novice home bartender.

A spicy Mexican martini on a marble platter with garnishes around it.

I’m never one to turn down a margarita. Something magical happens when you combine tequila, lime and orange liqueur.

But sometimes it’s fun to change it up to keep you on your toes. That’s where this spicy Mexican martini comes in handy, so let's get to it.

A spicy Mexican martini with lime slices and a steel toothpick with olives on it.

What Is a Mexican Martini?

A Mexican martini is like a margarita and dirty martini came together to make a little cocktail baby. Touching, isn’t it? This martini includes tequila, agave nectar, orange liqueur, olive brine and fresh lime juice.

Originally, Austin, Texas-based Trudy’s created the Mexican martini, but many other popular Tex-Mex restaurants in the state added this tasty number to their cocktail menus after it took off. As someone who grew up in Texas and spent my college years there, I’ve had my share of Mexican martinis and can confirm this recipe is just as delicious as the drinks you’d get there.

Typically, this tasty tequila cocktail doesn’t include spicy jalapeno. But I love a good jalapeno margarita and thought a spicy twist on this martini would be just as delicious. Don’t mind me as I pat myself on the back because that extra spice takes this cocktail to a new level.

That said, if you’re sensitive to spice, simply skip the jalapeno slices and use plain olives rather than the jalapeno-stuffed olives this recipe uses.

A spicy Mexican martini on a green napkin.
Looking straight on to a Mexican martini on a wood surface and marble platter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

If you’re new to making cocktails, this is the perfect drink to try. You'll find it's one seriously simple martini.

We grab a cocktail shaker and add freshly squeezed lime juice with a few jalapeno slices and muddle by applying pressure on the jalapeno slices and then twisting several times. You can do this with a muddler, but if you don't have one, a wooden spoon also works.

Now we add our tequila, orange liqueur, agave nectar, olive brine and ice to the cocktail shaker. We pop on the top, give it a good shake, strain into chilled martini glasses and garnish with olives. Now we sit back, preferably on a patio, and sip away!

An aerial view of a Mexican martini with a plate of salt and limes.

Expert Tips and FAQs

As you can see, the process of making this martini is simple, but ingredients make a difference. These are my recommendations for making the best Mexican martini.

  • Use freshly squeezed lime juice. I know bottled juice is convenient, but the flavor isn’t as fresh. Plus, it takes hardly any time to squeeze, especially with a handheld citrus juicer.
  • Reposado tequila is my favorite for this martini. Unlike silver tequila, reposado tequila spends time aging in oak barrels for at least six months. This gives it a more complex flavor that shines in this cocktail.
  • Grand Marnier is my favorite orange liqueur for this cocktail. Cointreau isn’t a bad option either. That said, both are pricey, so triple sec also works for a more budget-friendly option.
  • Fresh jalapenos over pickled make a big difference. Muddling releases the jalapenos oils, so you won’t get the same flavor or spice level with pickled jalapenos.
  • I tested this with simple syrup and agave nectar. Matt and I both agreed we prefer agave nectar in this martini.
  • To play up the spice, I used jalapeno-stuffed olives for the brine and garnish.

Of course, these are just my recommendations. Only have silver tequila? Work with what’s on hand. Will someone take you away for using bottled lime juice? Not in the least.

A Mexican martini on a marble platter from the side.

Perfect Pairing

With the briny olive juice and acidic lime, I love this Mexican martini with oyster shooters. A fresh seafood ceviche is another delicious option, and I have no doubt you'll love them with my Mexican meatballs with avocado-crema sauce.

When you're in the mood for a cocktail that's a bit different but still plenty refreshing, I hope you try this spicy Mexican martini.

Cheers!

The cocktail on a marble platter against a cream-colored background.
The spicy Mexican martini with a green napkin and olives.

Looking for More Taco Tuesday Cocktails?

  • Cucumber-jalapeño margarita
  • Triple citrus tequila smash
  • Jalapeño-mango margarita
  • Coconut margarita
  • Raspberry-peach margarita

If you love this recipe, please leave a comment with a five-star rating — or simply hit the five-star button in the recipe card. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter, and you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.

📖 Recipe

A spicy Mexican martini on a marble platter with garnishes around it.

Spicy Mexican Martini

Looking to branch out from your standard margarita? You’ll love this spicy Mexican martini! With just a few ingredients, this tequila martini comes together quickly and couldn’t be easier to make for even the novice home bartender.
5 from 28 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 drink
Calories: 290kcal
Author: Amanda McGrory-Dixon

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or small measuring cup
  • Citrus juicer

Ingredients

  • 2-3 jalapeno slices plus more for garnish if desired
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 2 ounces tequila preferably reposado
  • 1 ounce Grand Marnier
  • ½ ounce brine from jalapeno-stuffed olives
  • ½ ounce agave nectar
  • Ice
  • Lime slices for garnish, optional
  • Coarse sea salt for garnish, optional
  • Chili powder for garnish, optional
  • Jalapeno-stuffed olives for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Add jalapeno slices and lime juice to a cocktail shaker. Muddle the jalapeno slices to release their oils.
  • Add the tequila, Grand Marnier, brine, agave nectar and a handful of ice. Put on the top and shake vigorously for 15-30 seconds.
  • Run a lime slice around the rim of a martini glass. On a small plate, stir together about equal parts sea salt and chili powder to make a cohesive mixture. Swirl the rim of the martini glass into the salt-chili powder mixture.
  • Strain the martini into the glass. Garnish with olive slices, a lime slice and additional jalapeno slices if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Triple sec or Cointreau also work in place of Grand Marnier.
  • If you don't have jalapeno-stuffed olives, you can use regular olives, but the brine won't be as spicy.
  • Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drink | Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Sugar: 22g
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @BurrataandBubbles or tag #burratandbubbles!

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    Recipe Rating




  1. GUNJAN C Dudani says

    June 26, 2020 at 1:28 pm

    5 stars
    Its Friday and I was wondering about making a cocktail tonight. So glad to have found your recipe.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      June 26, 2020 at 4:24 pm

      Sounds like the perfect way to start the weekend!

      Reply
  2. Jen says

    June 26, 2020 at 11:41 am

    5 stars
    Another amazing cocktail from this site. Love the light spiciness and the unique flavors. Was a hit at our house.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      June 26, 2020 at 1:27 pm

      Aww, thanks so much, Jen! So glad to hear it.

      Reply
  3. Ben Myhre says

    May 09, 2020 at 2:55 pm

    This looks like a nummy cocktail with a zing. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      May 11, 2020 at 8:31 pm

      You're so welcome!

      Reply
  4. Ramona says

    May 08, 2020 at 3:03 pm

    5 stars
    This martini looks amazing! I particularly like the idea of adding jalapenos to it - never tried to add a spicy kick to my drinks which is surprising for me considering what a chilli head I am 😉 Thank you so much, this is truly inspiring, perfect for the coming summer.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      May 11, 2020 at 8:28 pm

      That is surprising! I think you'll love it!

      Reply
  5. Uma Srinivas says

    May 08, 2020 at 12:34 am

    5 stars
    Mexican martini looks so refreshing! I will never pass this in the current situation. Perfect to treat someone special on weekends!

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      May 11, 2020 at 8:23 pm

      We definitely need those weekend treats right now!

      Reply
  6. Natalie says

    May 07, 2020 at 4:59 pm

    5 stars
    This martini sounds refreshing and so interesting in terms of flavors. I will definitely give this a try. It's perfect for summer weekends.

    Reply
    • Amanda McGrory-Dixon says

      May 11, 2020 at 8:13 pm

      It definitely is! Hope you enjoy.

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Amanda, a Denver-based lady who believes life is best spent with comforting meals, tasty beverages and good company. When I'm not playing in the kitchen, I'm probably exploring new breweries with my husband, Matt, or obsessing over my adorable dog, Baylor.

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