The Tequila Diet by Chef Dave Martin

The Tequila Diet by Chef Dave Martin (Affiliate link) is a new book that was just released on May 26. Just in time for National Tequila Day, which was yesterday July 24. (I did not receive it in time to publish before National Tequila Day, sorry)

A cookbook flanked by a white vase with yellow flowers and tiny pineapple and an orange colored hi ball with people in the background. The new book is The Tequila Diet by Chef Dave Martin

The Tequila Diet by Chef Dave Martin
Photo Credit: Food Photographs by Andrew Bui

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Please note that I’ve linked to these products purely because I recommend them and they are from companies I trust. There is no extra cost to you when you purchase through my links. This item was sent to me to review. But the opinions expressed are 100% my own.

In his new book The Tequila Diet: Exploring Mexican Food and Drink with World’s Greatest Spirit, Top Chef alum Dave Martin pays an homage to the world’s greatest spirit and a guide to some of the most loved classic foods of Mexico. This easy-to-follow book is a collection of recipes influenced by Dave’s adolescent years growing up in Southern California combined with his adult adventures traveling throughout Mexico. His deep reverence for tequila is apparent through his use of the spirit in his tasty cocktails and several dishes, where it makes sense. I know you will love learning more about tequila while you cook your way through this curated collection of Mexican favorites. Let this cookbook be the delicious beginning of your own love affair with Mexican food and drink!

Food Recipes

A table topped with many dishes of food from The Tequila Diet by Chef Dave Martin

Yummy dishes from The Tequila Diet by Chef Dave Martin
Photo Credit: Food Photographs by Andrew Bui

Enjoy simple Salsas and Ceviche or attempt your own Homemade Empanadas or Triple Chile Enchilada Sauce (pasilla, chipotle and guajillo). Learn how to recreate regional favorites like Mole Negro (a chocolate and chile based sauce), Birria (slow braised beef, goat or lamb) or Posole (a stew of pork, hominy and pinto beans). There are lighter takes on traditional dishes that will please even the pickiest eaters. Pan Roasted Fish Tacos, Tequila Braised Carnitas and Baked Chile Rellenos are packed full of flavor and friendlier to the waistline.

Cocktail Recipes

A man pouring tequila into cocktail glasses from The Tequila Diet by Chef Dave Martin

Tequila Cocktail Anyone?
Photo Credit: Food Photographs by Andrew Bui

Inspired by Mexico and infused with tequila, Dave brings the flavors of Mexican cocktails from his bar to yours with tequila-based drinks you can replicate in your own home. Saddle up to the Cabo Cool-Aid with hibiscus soda, the Reynosa Ranch Water muddled with fresh cucumber or the Punta Mita Paloma (a new take on the original made Dave’s way with a blast of grapefruit hard seltzer). Along with signature cocktails, Dave has included tequila pairings for every dish to help make this book the ultimate entertaining companion.

Prepare Mexican feasts with easy to find ingredients

A terra cotta colored rectangular baking dish filled with tortilla casserole from The Tequila Diet by Chef Dave Martin

Pastel Azteca (Tortilla Casserole
Photo Credit: Food Photographs by Andrew Bui

Easy to find and interchangeable ingredients make this the perfect, versatile cookbook and cocktail guide for a weeknight dinner at home or a Mexican feast fit for friends and family. Several recipes in the cookbook encourage you to use the protein, vegetable or filling of your choice based on what you’re craving or what you have on hand. The recipes in this book have been lovingly tested and tasted in Dave’s New York and San Diego kitchens with friends, family and clients by his side.

A multicolored hi ball glass with salted rim, filled with a margarita cocktail and a lime slice on rim from The Tequila Diet by Chef Dave Martin

The quintessential cocktail Mexicali Margarita
Photo Credit: Food Photographs by Andrew Bui

Within the book, you’ll find recipes for cocktails that can be shaken by a budding bartender and authentic Mexican dishes that can be prepared by the home cook or aspiring chef. The Tequila Diet can be your culinary and cocktail resource that brings a small piece of Mexico into your home and heart.

About Chef Dave Martin

A chef holding a copy of his new book The Tequila Diet by Chef Dave Martin

Top Chef Alum Dave Martin presents his new book The Tequila Diet
Photo Credit: Andrew Bui

Dave Martin is an American Chef who first made a name for himself on television with an unforgettable appearance on the inaugural season of Bravo’s Top Chef. Since the show, he’s gone on to have a busy career in restaurant consulting, events, and private chef work. In his down time, he loves to eat, drink and explore by spending as much time as possible traveling and becoming an expert at global cuisine.

While Dave loves the cuisine of every country he visits, his love for Mexican food and tequila is beyond compare. Dave is excited to share that love, and a piece of Mexico with everyone through food and drink.

I LOVED this new book and wanted to eat the pages. But I showed restraint and instead headed to the store for some fresh ingredients!