Master the elegant Martinez cocktail, a precursor to the modern Martini, made with gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters. This aromatic, lightly sweet classic offers deep botanical complexity and vintage appeal.
Add gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
Stir gently for about 20 seconds until chilled and diluted.
Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora or coupe glass.
Express a lemon twist over the drink and garnish.
Prosciutto-wrapped dates
Marcona almonds or olives
Duck pâté or charcuterie boards
Dark chocolate with orange zest
Herbed cheese crackers or shortbread
Its sweet, complex profile pairs well with rich, savory, or slightly fruity flavors.
Old Tom gin is traditional — slightly sweeter and rounder than London Dry.
Maraschino liqueur adds subtle nuttiness and depth — don’t substitute with cherry syrup!
Stir, don’t shake — you want silky texture, not air bubbles.
For a drier version, use dry vermouth and skip or reduce the maraschino.
Always chill your glass for maximum elegance and flavor.
The Martinez dates back to the mid-to-late 1800s and is often cited as a stepping stone between the Manhattan and the Martini. Its exact origins are debated (some say it hails from Martinez, California), but what’s certain is that this cocktail helped shape the golden age of mixology.
1 servings