When it comes to famous eating and drinking spots in Austin, Texas, Trudy’s stands out as a beloved institution. For 47 years, Trudy’s delighted locals and visitors alike with its vibrant atmosphere and innovative takes on traditional Tex-Mex fare, especially their famous margaritas. However, on January 13, 2025, the curtain fell on this iconic venue, leaving behind a void and sparking curiosity about the heart and soul of its signature drink: the Mexican Martini.
Despite repeated trips to Austin, the Mexican Martini had eluded my discovery until a friend, Anthony, pointed me toward its unique charm. Known for its versatility, this cocktail represents a brilliant fusion of flavors. Unlike the typical margarita, which is honored for its refreshing taste and classic imagery, the Mexican Martini elevates the experience by incorporating an unexpected twist: olive brine. This revelation that the spirit of the margarita meets the classic martini gave me pause.
Trudy’s became synonymous with this cocktail, giving it a local flair that attracted cocktail aficionados and casual drinkers alike. Anthony fondly recounted his college days when customization was the name of the game, capturing his adventurous spirit in each drink order. With a choice of tequila and the option to indulge in a Grand Marnier floater, Trudy’s experience catered to the palate of each individual. Yet, the crowning glory of their concoction remained the secret ingredient—olive brine—transforming a traditional margarita into a sophisticated MexMart.
Culinary Exploration: Creating a Copycat Recipe
After the bittersweet news of Trudy’s closure, a quest began for the ultimate Mexican Martini recipe. The journey took me on a culinary expedition through imitation attempts and countless variations. With eager determination, I sought to recreate the essence of the MexMart at home. Anthony eagerly shared a copycat recipe that highlighted homemade sweet and sour mixes. However, reworking classic recipes is hardly as simple as it sounds.
One of the great challenges was balancing flavors without losing the integrity of the base ingredients. Some recipes tempted with unconventional additions like Sprite and orange juice, each promising a new take. I embraced these suggestions but soon realized that these remnants of modern mixing overshadowed the beauty of their fundamental ingredients. I wanted no frills; I yearned for authenticity.
I made my way back to Anthony’s straightforward suggestion—”Make your favorite margarita and add the olive juice.” So, I took a step back to gather only the finest ingredients: fresh Mexican limes, pristine blanco tequila, and the luscious Grand Marnier. It soon became clear that simplicity was key.
Loosely inspired by the classic presentation of cocktails, I decided to introduce a personal flourish: olive brine ice cubes. I filled small hexagonal trays with vibrant, pimento-stuffed green olives and submerged them in a mixture of olive brine and filtered water, letting them freeze overnight. This small yet delightful touch not only added an enticing visual aspect to the drink but also ensured the beverage remained cold without diluting its exquisite taste.
As I perfected the blend of freshly squeezed lime juice, tequila, Grand Marnier, and olive brine, the excitement built. Upon shaking these elements together, the frothy concoction emerged, ready to be served ice-cold in a martini glass. The aesthetic of the cocktail was complemented by the floating ice cube, featuring its perfectly preserved olive center.
A Celebration of Good Taste: The Final Sip
The moment of truth arrived as I took my first sip of the Mexican Martini. The blend of sweet and salty flavors created an extraordinary harmony. The citrusy brightness of the lime perfectly balanced against the depth of the tequila, while the olive brine added that unparalleled touch of saline complexity. This drink was not merely a replica; it was a celebration of Trudy’s legacy—a tribute to the culinary invention they birthed.
Although it is immensely sad to see Trudy’s close its doors, its Mexican Martini will continue to inspire with its perfect combination of quintessential margarita and sophisticated martini. Whether gathered amongst friends at a bustling bar in Austin or quietly savoring at home, the Mexican Martini stands testament to innovation, creativity, and the enduring delight of a well-crafted cocktail. Cheers to Trudy’s and the spirit of the MexMart!