Martinez No. 2
A refined, equal-parts variation of the classic Martinez, often cited as the missing link between the Manhattan and the Martini. This recipe balances the botanical crispness of gin with the herbal sweetness of vermouth, accentuated by the nutty depth of Maraschino liqueur and aromatic bitters.
What it tastes like
The aroma leads with botanical juniper and herbal vermouth, followed by a faint scent of cherry wood. On the palate, the drink is rich and silky with a balanced blend of medicinal herbs and dark stone fruit. The finish is dry and woody, leaving a lingering bitterness from the Angostura.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Gin1.5 oz
- Sweet Vermouth1.5 oz
- Maraschino Liqueur1 tsp
- Angostura Bitters2 dashes
Preparation
- 1
Chill a coupe glass in the freezer or with crushed ice.
- 2
Add the gin, sweet vermouth, Maraschino liqueur, and bitters to a mixing glass.
- 3
Fill the mixing glass with ice.
- 4
Stir gently for about 30 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and properly diluted.
- 5
Strain the cocktail into the prepared chilled coupe glass.
Substitutions
- GinOld Tom Gin — This provides a maltier, slightly sweeter profile that aligns with the drink's 19th-century origins.
- Sweet VermouthPunt e Mes — This adds a much stronger bitter edge and deeper chocolate notes to the cocktail.
- Maraschino LiqueurKirschwasser — This creates a drier drink with a more pronounced, unsweetened cherry pit flavour.
- Angostura BittersOrange Bitters — This shifts the spice profile toward bright citrus and lightens the overall herbal weight.
Variations
Dry Martinez
Replace the sweet vermouth with dry vermouth and add an orange twist for a crisper, more savory profile.
Dutch Martinez
Use Genever instead of London Dry gin to introduce bready, malty notes that complement the herbal vermouth.