Indulge in this classic Martinez recipe! Crafted with gin, sweet vermouth, and maraschino liqueur, this sophisticated cocktail elevates any evening.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 197
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Gin
- 1½ oz sweet Vermouth
- ¼ oz Maraschino Liqueur
- 2 dashes Angostura orange bitters
- Lemon twist or cherry - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
- Mixing Glass
Instructions
- Chill Glass: Stir some ice cubes in your coupe glass to chill it.
- Add Bitters: Drop in 2 dashes Angostura orange bitters into the mixing glass.
- Add Maraschino Liqueur: Introduce ¼ oz Maraschino Liqueur to the mix.
- Add Sweet Vermouth: Measure and pour 1½ oz sweet Vermouth into the mixing glass.
- Add Gin: Pour 1½ oz Gin into the mixing glass.
- Stir Well: With a bar spoon, stir the ingredients together with ice cubes until well combined.
- Strain & Pour: Strain the mixture into your chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a twist of lemon or a cherry.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Gin: If I run out of gin, I sometimes use vodka, though this alters the drink's flavor. A good old tom gin can add depth and richness.
- Sweet Vermouth: Dry vermouth works in a pinch, but I'd add a touch of simple syrup for sweetness.
- Maraschino Liqueur: It's a unique flavor, but any other cherry liqueur can work in a pinch.
Making a Pitcher of Martinez:
- Scale: For a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. This means you'll use 12 oz of gin, 12 oz of sweet vermouth, and 2 oz of maraschino liqueur with 16 dashes of bitters.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters with ice. Stir thoroughly.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into individual chilled cocktail glasses, garnish as desired, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Gin Substitute: Non-alcoholic gin alternatives mimic gin flavors without the alcohol.
- Maraschino Liqueur Substitute: Use a cherry syrup or a non-alcoholic cherry-flavored beverage for the maraschino flavor. Adjust for sweetness.
- Orange bitters: a drop of non-alcoholic orange essence will do.
- Proceed: Replace the alcoholic ingredients with the non-alcoholic alternatives, follow the primary steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic Martinez.
Making it Vegan:
Most ingredients in the Martinez are naturally vegan. However, ensure that any garnishes, especially cherries, don't use animal-based colorings or preservatives. Always double-check labels or source vegan-friendly options.What is a Martinez Cocktail?
The Martinez cocktail, a gin-based cocktail with sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters, is often considered the precursor to the modern Martini, tracing its roots back to the 19th century. Some say its name is a nod to the California town of Martinez, where it might have originated. Whether you’re a seasoned drinker or new to cocktails, the Martinez is a timeless classic, blending elegance with straightforwardness despite its rich history. Additionally, this iconic cocktail is listed by the International Bartenders Association (IBA), highlighting its enduring significance in the world of mixology.
What is a Martinez Cocktail made of – The ingredients
A Martinez Cocktail is concocted with these essentials:
- Gin: The primary spirit provides the foundational alcoholic content and botanical flavors.
- Sweet Vermouth: A fortified wine, it adds depth, sweetness, and aromatic complexity to the drink.
- Maraschino Liqueur: A cherry-based liqueur introduces a delicate sweetness and subtle fruitiness.
- Orange Bitters: Used sparingly, they bring balance and a hint of citrus zest to the cocktail.
