CLASSIC COCKTAIL · 1850–1889
Martinez
A dry, bittersweet classic with gin, vermouth, maraschino and a hint of mezcal.
1860sHistorical classicResearched
The Martinez emerged in the 1860s or early 1870s as a gin-based variation on the Manhattan and, according to most historians, preceded the Martini. The first known recipe appears in O. H. Byron’s 1884 The Modern Bartender, which lists it as “same as Manhattan, only you substitute gin for whisky”. Early versions used Dutch genever or Old Tom gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino or curaçao and bitters.
THE RECIPEDry, bitter and strong
Ingredients
- Gin45 ml
- Sweet Vermouth25 ml
- Maraschino Liqueur5 ml
- Mezcal5 ml
- Angostura Bitters2 dashes
Method
Combine the ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain into a pre-chilled coupe and garnish with an orange twist.
Coupette · no ice · lemon peel