Sipping a Martinez Cocktail is like taking a step back in time! This classic blend of gin, vermouth and maraschino liqueur will transport you to another era with its smooth and delightful taste. Enjoy the flavor of this timeless drink today!
The Martinez Cocktail: A Classic Way to Sip & Enjoy
Invented in the mid-19th century, the Martinez cocktail is a classic blend of gin, sweet vermouth and maraschino liqueur. This drink was traditionally enjoyed as an after dinner treat by wealthy patrons at San Francisco’s famous Bank Exchange Bar. It has since become one of the most popular cocktails around the world.
As with many classic cocktails, there is no single definitive recipe for a Martinez. While it typically consists of equal parts gin and sweet vermouth, some recipes call for more or less vermouth depending on personal preference. The addition of maraschino liqueur also varies from recipe to recipe; however it is often added to give the drink its signature sweetness.
Today, bartenders have put their own spin on this timeless concoction. Innovative recipes featuring new ingredients like tequila or orange bitters offer interesting variations on this classic favorite while still allowing people to enjoy its unique flavor profile. No matter how you make your martinez – whether shaken or stirred – one thing remains certain: it’s sure to be delicious!
Martinez Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- -2 oz Gin London Dry style
- -1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- -1/4 oz Maraschino liqueur
- -Dash of Angostura Bitters optional
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes and add the gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters if using.
- Stir the ingredients together for 30 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled Martini glass or coupe glass and serve with an orange peel or cherry garnish if desired.
Glassware
The typical glassware used for a Martinez cocktail is a martini or coupe glass. A martini glass is typically long and thin, with a stem that allows you to hold the drink without warming it up from your body heat. The coupe glass has a shallower bowl than the martini and does not have a stem, giving it an old-fashioned look. Both of these glasses are ideal for serving classic cocktails such as the Martinez.Flavors
The Martinez Cocktail is a classic drink that has been around since the 19th century. It features a combination of gin, sweet vermouth and maraschino liqueur for an exquisite blend of flavors. The gin provides a light yet robust flavor that provides subtle complexity to the cocktail, while the sweet vermouth adds richness and depth to it. Finally, the maraschino liqueur brings a unique sweetness and delicate aroma that complements each ingredient perfectly.
This drink also contains orange bitters which add subtle notes of spice and citrus to round out its flavor profile. With every sip you will enjoy aromas of juniper berry from the gin along with hints of cherry, vanilla and almond from the Maraschino liqueur. The result is a smooth-tasting beverage with balanced sweetness perfect for any occasion! Whether sipped neat or over ice, this timeless classic will be sure to leave you wanting more.
3 tips for Making Your Martinez
- Make sure to use a London Dry style of gin as this will provide the best balance in flavor for your Martinez Cocktail.
- When adding the bitters, make sure to only add a dash and not overdo it as that can overpower the other flavors.
- If you want to garnish your cocktail with an orange peel or cherry, make sure they are fresh and well-washed before adding them in order to avoid any contamination of unwanted chemicals or bacteria.
