Martinez

The MARTINEZ is a classic precursor to today’s gin martini. It’s also an old-world variation of the Manhattan dating back to the 1880’s. The most common mix calls for equal parts gin and sweet vermouth with dashes of both maraschino liqueur and bitters. There’s also a Cynar Martinez variation which is worth presenting, especially for fans of the Negroni.

Requirements: London dry gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur (Luxardo preferred), Angostura or orange bitters, lemon twist (or orange)

• 1.5 oz. gin
• 1.5 oz. sweet vermouth
• 1/3 oz. maraschino liqueur
• 2 dashes Angostura (or orange) bitters
• 1 lemon (preferred) or orange twist

Combine ingredients into an ice-filled mixing glass and stir to chill. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon (or orange) twist.

Cynar Martinez variation: Instead of using sweet vermouth, substitute with the Italian aperitif, Cynar (1.5 oz.). All else is the same.

Comments: In the more common non-Cynar recipe, some prefer increasing the gin proportion to 2 oz., and the sweet vermouth down to 1 oz. or 3/4 oz. It’s all a matter of personal taste, or the caliber of gin and sweet vermouth on hand. The Cynar version hides most of the maraschino liqueur flavor, but in a nicely balanced way.

Similar Cocktails:

Negroni — https://keetscocktails.com/negroni-2/

Sakura Martini — https://keetscocktails.com/sakura-mar

Casino — https://keetscocktails.com/casino/

Gibson — https://keetscocktails.com/gibson/

Manhattan — https://keetscocktails.com/manhattan-classic/