The Mex Martini is a riff on the classic Martini primarily based on Tequila, accentuated with Mezcal and Americano Bianco. This stirred cocktail sounds simple but the flavors in this concoction are outstanding. Personally, I would choose this twist over a classic Martini any day.
This drink is closely related to another popular Martini riff, the Tequila Martini. However, the addition of Mezcal in the Mex Martini gives this drink not only a smoky touch but overall much more flavor and a better balance.
This Mex Martini recipe is a variation of a recipe by Megs Miller, Co-Founder of Salón de Agave, Mexico City & Co-founder of CATA Agave Bar, Tamarindo in Costa Rica. She came up with the original recipe sometime around 2015.
Quick facts about the Mex Martini cocktail
- Method: stirred
- Flavor profile: citrus, dry, smoky, rich
- How to serve it: Chilled in a Martini glass, no extra ice
- Glassware: Martini glass
- Alcohol content: ~ 21.5% ABV, 19.5 grams of alcohol per serving
Essential Ingredients for a Mex Martini
- Tequila: Preferably a high-quality silver like Patron Silver Tequila.
- Mezcal: A solid Mezcal like Del Maguey Vida or Montelobos Espadin Joven Mezcal.
- Cocchi Americano Bianco: This is a fortified and aromatized wine from Italy's Piedmont region.
Additional ingredients to tweak the recipe
The base recipe of this mezcal cocktail is already full of flavors and well-balanced, but there are some ways to make the Mex Martini even better.
- Agave syrup: One bar spoon of agave syrup is enough to make this cocktail round and "fuller" which ends in a better mouthfeel.
- Bitters: As often with Mezcal, chocolate and orange bitters are the way to go. In this case, I prefer some chocolate bitters to give the cocktail a perfect finish.
The garnish
A lemon zest works great as a garnish on a Mex Martini cocktail. If you want to take it one small step further, cut a round coin-shaped zest and place it in the middle of your drink.
Steps to make the drink
The Mex Martini is a stirred cocktail, so there's actually not a lot to say about the steps and information about the preparation of this drink. However, details matter so you should make sure to chill your glass before making the drink, so your cocktail doesn't warm up too quickly.
- Chill your glass: Put your Martini glass in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before making the cocktail.
- Stir the cocktail: Add all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice and stir the cocktail for 15 - 20 seconds.
- Strain and garnish: Strain the Mex Martini into the chilled Martini glass and garnish with lemon zest.
Related Martini Variations to Try
- Tequila Martini: The Tequila Martini is a cleaner twist that swaps the traditional gin or vodka for tequila, bringing a touch of agave warmth to the classic martini. Typically prepared with silver tequila and dry vermouth, it's garnished with a lime twist to accentuate the tequila's natural flavors.
- Mezcal Martini: Introducing mezcal instead of tequila, the Mezcal Martini offers a smoky and complex flavor profile rooted in Oaxaca's rich distilling traditions. Combining mezcal with dry vermouth and a dash of orange bitters, this variation highlights the unique, smoky essence derived from roasted agave hearts.
- Mexican Martini: The Mexican Martini is said to have originated in Austin, Texas, during the 1980s. This version often includes additional ingredients like orange juice or a splash of soda and is sometimes served with a sidecar shaker, blending margarita elements with martini sophistication.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing glass
- 1 Bar spoon
- 1 Hawthorne Strainer
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Tequila
- 0.5 oz Mezcal
- 1 oz Cocchi Americano Bianco
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir the cocktail for 15-20 seconds until the drink is chilled.
- Strain into a chilled Martini glass and garnish with lemon zest.
FAQs
A silver tequila is best, but silver (blanco) or reposado tequila both work due to their smooth and crisp flavors. They blend well with the other ingredients without overpowering the cocktail.
Place the glass in the freezer for about 15 minutes before serving. Alternatively, fill it with ice and water while you prepare the cocktail, then discard the ice before pouring.
Absolutely! Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings, mix them in a pitcher without ice, and chill. Serve the drinks individually and garnish with lemon zest.
Spicy dishes, seafood, and traditional Mexican appetizers like guacamole and salsa complement the cocktail's flavors beautifully.