Martinez
Old Tom gin, sweet vermouth and a touch of maraschino. The rich ancestor of the Martini.
Stirred · Coupe · Medium · about 3 minutes · about 24% ABV
Ingredients
- 45 ml Old Tom gin
- 45 ml Sweet vermouth
- 5 ml Maraschino liqueur
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
- Orange twist (garnish)
Method
- Chill the glass
- Pour 45 ml Old Tom gin into the mixing glass
- Pour 45 ml sweet vermouth into the mixing glass
- Pour 5 ml maraschino liqueur into the mixing glass
- Add 2 dashes of Orange bitters
- Add ice
- Stir
- Strain
- Garnish
Tip
Old Tom is slightly sweet. London dry works too and gives a drier drink.
About the Martinez
The Martinez is thought to be the ancestor of the Martini. It appeared in O.H. Byron's 1884 book and in Jerry Thomas's 1887 edition, made with Old Tom gin, sweet vermouth and maraschino. Whether it was named after the town of Martinez in California or a guest at a San Francisco hotel is still debated.
The vermouth cocktail family. Vermouth reached American bars in the 1860s and 1870s, and bartenders began stirring it with whiskey, gin and brandy. That gave us the Manhattan and the Martinez, the ancestor of the Martini. Drinks in this family are stirred rather than shaken, and they are all about the balance between the spirit and the aromatised wine.
Martinez FAQ
What's in a Martinez?
45 ml old tom gin, 45 ml sweet vermouth, 5 ml maraschino liqueur, 2 dashes orange bitters, garnished with orange twist.
How strong is a Martinez?
About 24% ABV once mixed with ice, which is 2.1 Australian standard drinks per serve. That is stronger than a glass of wine.
Should I shake or stir a Martinez?
Stir it. It is made only of spirits and wines, so stirring keeps it clear and silky. Shaking would make it cloudy and frothy.
What glass do you serve a Martinez in?
A coupe, about 180 ml. Chill the glass first and serve without ice. No coupe? Use a martini glass or small wine glass.
