Smoky Martini

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Cocktail History

The Smoky Martini is a modern cocktail that is believed to have been created by Dale DeGroff, who claims to have been making it since the 1970s before publishing it in his book The Craft of the Cocktail in 2002. It introduces Islay Scotch’s peated aroma and flavor into the classic Gin Martini formula, which is traditionally made with dry gin, dry vermouth, and citrus. This version from Gin O'Clock: A Year of Ginspiration by Craft Gin Club also adds a hint of almond liqueur for even more complexity.

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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 The Botanist Islay Dry Gin.

Islay Scotch: This is a type of of Scotch whisky made in southern Scotland with spices, alcohol, water, and malt or grain that has been dried with peat fires. I used Laphroig Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Dry Vermouth: This is a fortified wine made with grapes, sugar, botanicals, herbs, sugar, and alcohol. I used Dolin Dry Vermouth de Chambéry.

Amaretto Liqueur: This is a liqueur made in Italy with almonds, spices, and alcohol. I used Di Amore Amaretto Liqueur.

Lemon Twist: This is is the peel of a lemon that has been twisted into a corkscrew shape.

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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.

Peeler: This is used to remove the garnish peel from the citrus. I used the OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Peeler Set.

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Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Frosty golden color

• Aroma: Peat and lemon zest

• Taste: Dry and slightly bitter flavor with slight sweetness from the vermouth and amaretto

• Finish: Smoky, nutty aftertaste

Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐

Kendall’s Take: "I can't drink an entire dry Gin Martini quite yet, so I when I saw Scotch was added to the list of ingredients for the Smoky Martini, I knew it probably wouldn't be for me. I still find Scotch to be similar in taste to smoky rubber, so this cocktail was just a bit too serious for my palate. Maybe someday!"

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Recipe

This cocktail recipe was adapted from Gin O'Clock: A Year of Ginspiration by Craft Cocktail Club.