Devised in the exuberant 1980s society where everything poured into a stemmed glass acquired the "tini" suffix, the Mexican Martini is isn't your typical cocktail-it's Texan through and through. Slightly different from many of the era's concoctions, this drink brings together tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and olive brine, resulting in a cocktail that’s as Margarita as it’s a Dirty Martini.

Cedar Door Patio Bar & Grill is the commonly credited birthplace of this unique blend. Established in 1975, the Austin mainstay is known for creating this fusion beverage. As the tale unfolds, bartender Ellen Kruce, upon returning from her Mexican vacation, was inspired by a Margarita served in a Martini glass to experiment with a new cocktail at her bar. Her concoction evolved over time into the beloved Mexican Martini that we know of now.

A distinct characteristic of the Mexican Martini is its traditional serving in a cold metal shaker, allowing patrons to be their own bartender, topping off their refreshment as they please. With the passage of time, various Austin bars have crafted their own interpretations, and the drink has become almost symbolic of Austin’s gastronomic identity. Trudy's, a beloved Tex-Mex restaurant, has served and popularised its Mexican Martini for many years, implementing the infamous ‘two-drink rule’ to ensure neither college pupils nor mature adults go beyond their limits. In recent times, the cocktail bar Holiday has gained momentum for its innovative frozen version served in a cactus-moulded glass.

The Mexican Martini's fame has stretched beyond Texas, with enthusiasts flocking to Austin just to experience the original taste. Heather Hart Potts, the present owner of Cedar Door for the past 24 years, tells tales of their establishment welcoming visitors from all over the United States, as distant as Australia, and even receiving a recipe inquiry from the U.K.

Potts attributes the cocktail's immense success to its representation of Austin culture and its distinct, balanced taste. “The tequila adds another layer of complexity,” she explains. “A blanco gives it a brighter agave flavor, while reposado brings some oak and a softer, rounder character. Your choice of tequila can greatly affect this drink.”

Maintaining the authenticity of its origins, Cedar Door’s recipe sticks to the basics with a little extra twist of olive brine to give it the right kick. While few bars experiment by adding orange juice, Potts recommends staying away from it and to “keep it crisp, tart, and slightly piquant rather than overly sweet."

Below is the authentic, classic Mexican Martini Recipe:

Ingredients: 2 ounces tequila, 1 1/2 ounces Cointreau, 1 1/2 ounces lime juice, 1/2 ounce green olive brine, 1/4 tsp kosher salt (for garnish), 1 lime wedge (for garnish), 3 green olives (for garnish).

Instructions: Fill cocktail shaker with ice, tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and olive brine, and shake until chilled. Directly strain into a Martini glass rimmed with salt. Complete with a lime wedge and three green olives as garnish.