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.

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Spicy Mexican Martini

What Is a Mexican Martini?

Step-by-Step Instructions

Expert Tips and FAQs

Perfect Pairing

Looking for More Taco Tuesday Cocktails?

📖 Recipe