Martinez
Often cited as the direct precursor to the modern Martini, this sophisticated cocktail offers a complex balance between a Manhattan and a Martini. It features a botanical base of gin and vermouth, accented by orange liqueur and bitters.
What it tastes like
This drink leads with botanical aromas of juniper and herbal dry vermouth. The palate is lean and crisp with a subtle citrus sweetness from the triple sec. The mouthfeel is viscous and chilled, concluding with a dry and slightly bitter finish.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Gin1 oz
- Dry Vermouth1 oz
- Triple Sec0.25 tsp
- Orange Bitters1 dash
- Maraschino Cherry1 whole
Preparation
- 1
Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
- 2
Pour in the gin, dry vermouth, triple sec, and orange bitters.
- 3
Stir the mixture gently for approximately 30 seconds to chill and dilute.
- 4
Strain the liquid into a chilled coupe glass.
- 5
Garnish by dropping a whole cherry into the glass.
Substitutions
- GinOld Tom Gin — This provides a maltier body and a softer botanical profile more aligned with 19th-century recipes.
- Dry VermouthSweet Vermouth — Using sweet vermouth transforms the drink into a richer, darker, and more spice-forward cocktail.
- Triple SecMaraschino Liqueur — This adds a distinct dry cherry and almond note that is traditional for this cocktail.
- Orange BittersAngostura Bitters — This swap introduces deeper notes of cinnamon and clove rather than sharp citrus.
Variations
The 1884 Martinez
Use Old Tom gin, sweet vermouth, and maraschino liqueur to recreate the original heavy-bodied, pre-prohibition style.
Martinez Blanc
Substitute dry vermouth with blanc vermouth for a floral profile with honey-like sweetness.