New Mexican Martini

Chuy's

11680 Research Blvd

Austin
Texas 78759

The New Mexican Martini, which I discovered at Austin Tex-Mex favourite Chuy's, is an astonishing drink, involving green chili-infused El Jimador silver tequila, Cointreau and fresh lime juice. It was served in a shaker full of ice alongside a salt-rimmed martini glass and a garnish of jalapeno-stuffed olives. The chili in the tequila was subtle, but definitely present, and the sweet orange Cointreau, bitter lime and salt rim combined to commit a serious sensory assault on the taste buds. While it resembled a margarita, this was stronger and less sweet - a little more grown up. The way the drink was served kept it cold - pretty important in Texas - and the pecuniary damage was a reasonable $7.75 (4.80 sterling). Despite all the above, I only wanted one of these, the chili heat making multiple servings less appealing. But as a pre-dinner platform for tequila, particularly when that dinner has the word Mex in it, this will fill you with wonder or nothing will.

Buy El Jimador tequila from The Drink Shop here.