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Cocktail History
The Martinez is a vintage cocktail that was created in the 1880s in Martinez, California. It’s considered a cross between the Manhattan and a classic Gin Martini because it’s traditionally made with gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Gin: This is a spirit made with juniper berries, botanicals, and alcohol. I used Bombay London Dry Gin.
Sweet Vermouth: This is a fortified wine made with grapes, sugar, botanicals, herbs, sugar, and alcohol. I used Dolin Vermouth de Chambery Rouge.
Maraschino Liqueur: This is a liqueur made with Maraschino cherries, honey, herbs, spices, sugar, and alcohol. I used Luxardo Maraschino Orginale Liqueur.
Orange Bitters: This is a food product made with oranges, botanicals, herbs, and alcohol. I used Angostura Orange Bitters.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Mixing Glass: This is used to hold the ingredients while they’re being stirred. I used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Julep Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is stirred. I used the A Bar Above Julep Strainer.
Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Brown color
• Aroma: Fortified wine with faint botanicals
• Taste: Vermouth flavor initially that evolves into strong juniper and cherry notes
• Finish: More cherry and wine
Kendall’s Take: “The original recipe for the Martinez called for more vermouth, but I ended up using a little less for balance. Ultimately, I think this timeless beverage would be a great starter for anyone like me who hasn’t sipped on bitter drinks very much and is trying to develop their palate. All around it’s a very good gin drink that I’d make again.”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Art of Vintage Cocktails by Stephanie Rosenbaum.
Martinez
Description
The Martinez is a vintage cocktail that was created in the 1880s in Martinez, California. It's considered a cross between the Manhattan and a classic Gin Martini because it's traditionally made with gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters.
Ingredients
Method
Add gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters to a mixing glass.
Fill mixing glass with cubed ice.
Using a bar spoon, stir for 30-45 seconds until well-chilled and slightly diluted.
Using a julep and fine mesh strainer, strain into a coupe glass.
