The Martinez Martini is often hailed as the precursor to the modern Martini, combining gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters to create a cocktail with a rich history and a complex flavor profile. This classic cocktail dates back to the late 19th century and is beloved for its balance of sweetness, bitterness, and botanical complexity. In this guide, we’ll explore the origins, ingredients, and the step-by-step process of crafting the perfect Martinez Martini.
The Martinez Martini’s origins are shrouded in a bit of mystery, with multiple stories attributing its creation to different bartenders and cities. One popular tale credits its invention to Jerry Thomas, the “father of American mixology,” who allegedly created the drink at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco. Another story suggests the cocktail was named after the town of Martinez, California. Regardless of its true origins, the Martinez Martini has become an iconic cocktail, often considered a transitional drink from the sweeter, richer concoctions of the past to the drier, more refined modern Martini.
To craft an authentic Martinez Martini, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 ounces of Old Tom Gin: This slightly sweeter style of gin provides a perfect balance with the other ingredients. If unavailable, London Dry Gin can be used, but the character of the cocktail will be slightly different.
- 1 ounce of sweet vermouth: Choose a high-quality sweet vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula or Dolin Rouge for rich, aromatic flavors.
- 1/4 ounce of maraschino liqueur: Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur is the most commonly used and adds a subtle cherry-almond flavor.
- 2 dashes of orange bitters: These bitters add a hint of citrus and complexity to the cocktail.
- Ice: For chilling the cocktail.
- Lemon twist or cherry: For garnish, adding a touch of aroma and visual appeal.
- Mixing glass or cocktail shaker: For combining the ingredients.
- Bar spoon: For stirring the mixture.
- Hawthorne strainer: For straining the cocktail into the glass.
- Coupe or Martini glass: A stemmed glass for serving the Martinez Martini.
Chill the Glass: Start by chilling your coupe or Martini glass. You can place it in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure it’s properly chilled.
Combine the Ingredients: Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice. Add 2 ounces of Old Tom Gin, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and 1/4 ounce of maraschino liqueur.
Add the Bitters: Add 2 dashes of orange bitters to the mixing glass.
Stir the Mixture: Stir the mixture gently with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds. Stirring, rather than shaking, helps integrate the flavors while maintaining the clarity and smoothness of the cocktail.
Strain into the Glass: Empty the ice water from your chilled glass. Strain the mixture from the mixing glass into the coupe or Martini glass using a Hawthorne strainer.
Garnish: Garnish your Martinez Martini with a lemon twist or a cherry. For a lemon twist, hold the twist over the glass and twist it to release the oils, then drop it into the drink. If using a cherry, simply drop it into the glass.
Serve: Serve your Martinez Martini immediately and enjoy the complex, balanced flavors of this classic cocktail.
- Quality Ingredients: The quality of your gin, vermouth, and maraschino liqueur greatly impacts the final flavor. Opt for premium brands to ensure a superior cocktail.
- Stirring Technique: Stirring gently and for the right amount of time ensures the cocktail is properly chilled and diluted without becoming cloudy or overly diluted.
- Balancing Flavors: If the cocktail is too sweet for your taste, you can adjust the ratio of gin to vermouth slightly or add an extra dash of bitters to enhance the complexity.
- Dry Martinez: Substitute dry vermouth for sweet vermouth and reduce or omit the maraschino liqueur for a drier, more contemporary version.
- Reverse Martinez: Flip the ratio of gin to vermouth, using 2 ounces of sweet vermouth and 1 ounce of gin, for a sweeter and more vermouth-forward cocktail.
- Citrus Martinez: Add a few drops of fresh orange or lemon juice to introduce a bright, citrusy note that complements the bitters and vermouth.
- Cheese and Charcuterie: The Martinez Martini’s rich, complex flavors pair wonderfully with a variety of cheeses, cured meats, and pickled vegetables.
- Smoked Fish: Smoked salmon or trout provides a delightful contrast to the sweet and bitter elements of the cocktail.
- Dark Chocolate: The subtle cherry and almond notes from the maraschino liqueur complement dark chocolate beautifully, making for a luxurious dessert pairing.
