Martinez Cocktail Recipe

Before you start

The Martinez is often described as the ancestor of the dry martini: gin and vermouth stirred together, but in a sweeter, richer form, with a small amount of maraschino liqueur and a dash of bitters. Its origin story is disputed, with several towns and bartenders claiming it, and the earliest recipes vary widely. What is clear is that it belongs to the late 19th century, when sweet vermouth was the norm.

The defining choice is the gin. Old Tom gin is slightly sweet and softer than London dry, which gives the Martinez its round, almost Manhattan-like texture. London dry works and makes a sharper drink. The maraschino should be a small accent, never the main flavor. Stir until very cold and serve it up with a lemon or orange twist.

Ingredients

• 45 ml (1½ oz) Old Tom gin — or London dry gin
• 45 ml (1½ oz) sweet vermouth — refrigerated once opened
• 5 ml (1 tsp) maraschino liqueur
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• 1 cup (about 150 g) ice cubes — for stirring
• 1 strip lemon or orange peel — for garnish

Method

1. Chill the coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
2. Add the gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino and orange bitters to the mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass about three-quarters with ice and stir for 20 to 25 seconds, until it is very cold and slightly diluted.
4. Discard any ice water and strain the drink into the cold glass.
5. Express the peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it in or set it on the rim.

Tips for success

• If you use London dry gin, consider a slightly sweeter vermouth or add 2 ml extra maraschino to keep the rounded character.
• Measure maraschino with a teaspoon. Even a small overpour pushes the drink toward cherry candy.
• Some bartenders prefer a ratio of 2 parts gin to 1 part vermouth for a lighter, drier Martinez; try both.

Substitutions

Old Tom gin

London dry gin makes a sharper, more juniper-forward drink. A genever-style gin adds a malty richness that many find interesting.

Maraschino liqueur

Orange curaçao (5 ml) gives an orange accent instead of cherry, as in some old recipes.

Orange bitters

Angostura works but makes the drink spicier and darker. A dash of each is also common.

Variations

Dry Martinez

Use 60 ml London dry gin and 30 ml sweet vermouth with 3 ml maraschino for a lighter, sharper drink.

Troubleshooting

It is too sweet

Switch to London dry gin, use a 2:1 gin-to-vermouth ratio, or cut the maraschino to 3 ml.

It tastes of cherry candy

Too much maraschino. Use a measured teaspoon or less.

It tastes dull

The vermouth may be oxidized. Use a fresh bottle and express the citrus peel generously.

Storage

Serve immediately. Keep opened vermouth refrigerated and use within about a month. Gin, maraschino and bitters store at room temperature.

Safety notes

One Martinez holds around 1.5 U.S. standard drinks (a standard drink is about 14 g of pure alcohol). For adults of legal drinking age only. Never drink and drive.