When you’re getting a cocktail with your lunch, dinner, or midday snack, it’s usually a special treat you look forward to. This is why it’s especially disappointing to receive something lackluster.
According to one Austin woman, that’s what happened when she ordered a Mexican Martini at local restaurant Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar.
In a clip that got over 16,200 views, Austin-based content creator Rachel (@rachellately) films what the Loro bartender hands her.
She’s not happy with it.
What Was Wrong With This Mexican Martini At Loro?
“Imagine ordering a Mexican martini and they hand you this,” Rachel wrote in the video’s text overlay.
She films the drink she received: a Mexican Martini served in what appears to be a clear plastic cup rather than the cocktail glass she was expecting.
“Not the sad plastic cup,” she added in the caption.
Commenters Have Questions
One commenter pointed out that Rachel was drinking it during one of Loro’s deeply discounted martini days.
“But on tuesdays it’s $2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I only need a few before I’m like oh my gawd,” they wrote.
This is partly true. Loro currently runs “Tini Tuesdays,” when its martinis are $3, not $2, all day, in all of its locations. Options customers can choose from include the Mexican Martini, Frozen Espresso Martini, Lucky Cat Cosmo, and Lychee Martini.
Rachel also clarified in the comments that she did, in fact, pay $3 for the drink.
However, she said that wasn’t really the point. According to Rachel, her friend paid the same amount and received her drink in a martini glass.
Another commenter who appeared to be familiar with the restaurant offered a possible explanation.
“For the demand of tini Tuesday we do not have enough glassware,” they wrote. “And wouldn’t have anywhere to store it if we did.”
“Their entire set up is weird too,” a third wrote.
The commenter recounts a visit during which they were allegedly seated at a table during Happy Hour but had to walk to the counter to place their initial order. They claimed they were told they could order refills from the table, only for nobody to return.
“Wanted another drink and gave up on it because the line was so long,” they wrote.
How Is A Mexican Martini Supposed To Be Served?
A Mexican Martini is traditionally something of a cross between a margarita and a dirty martini.
There isn’t one universally fixed recipe, but tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and olive brine commonly make up the base. Depending on the bar, recipes may also include orange juice, simple syrup, dry vermouth, or other house ingredients.
Presentation is also a pretty important part of the drink, especially in Austin, where the Mexican Martini has become something of a local staple.
Eater Austin describes the popular Austin version as tequila and olive brine served up in a martini glass, often with the remaining cocktail left in a shaker on the side.
The drink is also commonly served chilled with a salted rim and olives.
Serving alcohol in a plastic cup doesn’t inherently make the drink unsafe or change the flavor.
However, glassware is part of the cocktail experience, and when someone orders something called a martini, receiving it in a disposable plastic cup can understandably feel a little less special.
It’s not clear whether Rachel’s plastic cup was a result of overwhelming Tini Tuesday demand.
Subplot News has reached out to Loro and Rachel via email for comment and additional information.
