Cocktail recipe

Martinez recipe.

A rich and aromatic gin-based cocktail with sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters, served in a coupe glass.

Cocktail recipe 4 mins Mocktail option
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Martinez cocktail image
Martinez

Description

The Martinez is a historic cocktail that dates back to the 1860s or 1870s, often considered the precursor to the Martini. While its exact origins are debated, it is believed to have been created in San Francisco for a traveller heading to the town of Martinez, California.

This classic cocktail blends Old Tom gin (a slightly sweeter style of gin), sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters, resulting in a smooth, slightly sweet, and herbal flavour profile. It is often enjoyed as an aperitif, offering a refined and complex drinking experience.

Ingredients

  • 60 ml Old Tom Gin
  • 30 ml Sweet Vermouth
  • 5 ml Maraschino Liqueur
  • 2 dashes Orange Orange bitters
  • 1 piece Lemon twist (optional garnish)
  • 1 cherry (optional garnish)

Equipment needed

Bar Spoon – Used to stir the drink with ice.

Instructions

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters.
  3. Stir gently for about 30 seconds until well chilled and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  4. Garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry.

Recommended glassware

Nick and Nora Glass
Nick and Nora Glass (recommended)

A refined small stemmed glass for stirred and spirit-forward cocktails.

120–180 ml Small stemmed bowl with inward curve.

Best for: Martinez, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Vesper, Adonis.

Garnish: Best with subtle garnishes like twists or a single cherry.

Quick facts

4 mins Easy Approx. 24% ABV 2 units 175 kcal Ice Mocktail option Batch friendly
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