Looking for a new cocktail to try out this weekend? Want to wind down with a fresh new drink? We’ve got you covered. Here’s what you should drink this weekend.
With gin having its moment in the spotlight, we decided to try out a classic if not somewhat obscure cocktail. The Martinez, a slight variation on the Manhattan, is considered to be an early predecessor to the Martini. But, like all good cocktails, the origin of the Martinez remains a mystery. While it may be attributed to bartender and author Jerry Thomas, the city of Martinez, California says that a local bartender had invented the drink. It first appeared in print in 1884 in The Modern Bartenders’ Guide by O.H. Byron.
Nowadays, the Martinez isn’t considered a particularly in vogue drink but many contemporary bartenders have taken the opportunity to remix the cocktail’s gin base. The original recipe calls for equal parts gin and vermouth but playing with those ratios and mixing in other gin varieties can result in some unique concoctions. The Martinez is an excellent drink to have in your arsenal so consider remixing and remastering until you have a version you love.
Martinez Ingredients
Gin – A classic London dry gin is a good place to start so consider using Tanqueray or Beefeater. Add a gentler touch with a modern gin like Nikka Coffey Gin or Barr Hill or go classic with Ransom Old Tom Gin. If you really want to master this drink, consider mixing two different gins in your final cocktail.
Sweet Vermouth – Carpano Antica is always an excellent choice for sweet vermouth, and it’d be our first recommendation for this drink. Cinzano is also a solid option if you’re looking for an alternative.
Maraschino Liqueur – Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur is a classic for a reason but if you can find Bordiga Maraschino Cherry Liqueur then scoop it up.
Bitters – Feel free to play around with the bitters you’re using in this cocktail but the classic recipe calls for Angostura.
Martinez Recipe
- Combine 1 1/2 ounces sweet vermouth, 1 1/2 ounces gin, 1/4 ounce maraschino liqueur, and two dashes of bitters in a mixing glass.
- Add ice and stir until well-chilled, about 20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with an orange peel.
- Enjoy!
