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Epicurious

Classic Martinez

Image may contain Cutlery Fork and Plant
Photo by Chelsea Kyle

Whether or not this drink is truly an ancestor of today’s Dry Gin Martini (with which it has little in common), it is a great model in the cocktail fossil record because it showcases how certain ingredients were used before the twentieth century: back in the day, maraschino liqueur and orange Curaçao were two cordials used interchangeably (depending on availability) as sweeteners in cocktails. Vermouth was always sweet Italian red vermouth; French or dry vermouth were not popular in cocktail making until the end of the nineteenth century. Legend says this drink was named for the small Northern California town where a Gold Rush miner ordered “one for the road” before heading for the hills.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 1 drink

Ingredients

1 3/4 ounces Beefeater London Dry gin
2 ounces Dolin Rouge sweet vermouth
1/4 ounce Luxardo maraschino liqueur
1 dash Regan’s Orange Bitters no. 6
1 lemon twist, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pour all the liquid ingredients into a mixing glass. Add large cold ice cubes and stir for 40 revolutions. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with the lemon twist.

  2. tasting notes

    Step 2

    Dominant Flavors: juniper, maraschino, caramel

    Step 3

    Body: velvety texture created by the combination of Italian vermouth and maraschino

    Step 4

    Dryness: medium to sweet

    Step 5

    Complexity: high

    Step 6

    Accentuating or Contrasting Flavors: maraschino and herbs

    Step 7

    Finish: medium, fragrant

  3. Step 8

    Glass: cocktail

Cover of Speakeasy by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric featuring a coupe glass with a brown cocktail and lemon wheel garnish.
Reprinted with permission from Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide to Classic Cocktails Reimagined by Jason Kosmas and Dushan Zaric, © 2010 Ten Speed Press. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.
TagsCocktailAlcoholBeveragesBittersVermouthGinEasyQuick5 Ingredients or FewerCookbooks
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