The Martinez checks all the right boxes for a classic cocktail: gin, vermouth and an obfuscated
history.
It’s considered the likely predecessor to the martini, but no one seems able to nail down an exact origin. And they do share two chief ingredients. But in this case, that gin is actually Old Tom, a softer, sweeter style of gin popular in the 1800s. And that vermouth is actually sweet vermouth, unlike the dry variety you’ll find in martinis.
So the appearance, aroma and taste: completely different, as here you’ve got a rich, herbal cocktail accented by the bittersweet maraschino liqueur. It’s the perfect pre-dinner drink. And post-dinner drink. And during-dinner drink. Basically, as long as you’re drinking one, you’re doing just fine.
The Martinez
1.5 oz Old Tom Gin
1.5 oz sweet vermouth
1 barspoon maraschino liqueur
2 dashes orange bitters
Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice until cold. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an orange twist.
It’s considered the likely predecessor to the martini, but no one seems able to nail down an exact origin. And they do share two chief ingredients. But in this case, that gin is actually Old Tom, a softer, sweeter style of gin popular in the 1800s. And that vermouth is actually sweet vermouth, unlike the dry variety you’ll find in martinis.
So the appearance, aroma and taste: completely different, as here you’ve got a rich, herbal cocktail accented by the bittersweet maraschino liqueur. It’s the perfect pre-dinner drink. And post-dinner drink. And during-dinner drink. Basically, as long as you’re drinking one, you’re doing just fine.
The Martinez
1.5 oz Old Tom Gin
1.5 oz sweet vermouth
1 barspoon maraschino liqueur
2 dashes orange bitters
Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice until cold. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an orange twist.
