If cocktails had a family reunion, the Martini would show up in a tailored tuxedo, sipping itself with an air of superiority. The Martinez, on the other hand, would arrive fashionably late, armed with charm, a bottle of sweet vermouth, and the ability to tell a great story.
Yes, folks—the Martinez is the cooler, older relative of the Martini. It’s often overshadowed by its more famous descendant, but let’s be real: "famous" doesn't always mean "better" (looking at you, reality TV stars).
A Quick History Lesson (Don’t Worry, It’s Not Boring)
Like many classic cocktails, the origins of the Martinez are murky—much like your vision after one too many. Some say it was first served to a thirsty gold miner en route to the town of Martinez, California, in the 1860s. Others claim it was crafted by legendary bartender Jerry Thomas in San Francisco. The truth? We’ll probably never know.
What we do know is that the Martinez set the stage for the modern Martini. But unlike its drier, more serious offspring, the Martinez isn’t afraid to embrace a little sweetness and complexity—kind of like that one uncle who still wears Hawaiian shirts to Christmas dinner but always brings the best whiskey.
What’s in a Martinez?
The Martinez is a gin-based cocktail with a rich, aromatic profile, thanks to sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and a hint of bitters. It’s the perfect balance of boozy, sweet, and bitter, making it ideal for slow sipping and looking sophisticated while pretending to know something about stocks.
The Classic Martinez Recipe:
🍸 45ml (1.5oz) Old Tom Gin🍸 45ml (1.5oz) Sweet Vermouth🍸 1 bar spoon Maraschino Liqueur🍸 2 dashes Angostura or Orange Bitters🍸 Lemon twist or cherry garnish
👉 How to Make It:
Fill a mixing glass with ice (the bigger the cubes, the fancier you look).
Pour in the gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters.
Stir like you’re plotting world domination (or just until well chilled).
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist if you’re feeling fancy—or a cherry if you want an excuse to snack.
Why You Need This Cocktail in Your Life
If you love a Negroni but want something smoother, the Martinez has your back.
It’s the perfect drink to make you look sophisticated while secretly scrolling memes on your phone.
It’s a great excuse to experiment with Old Tom Gin, the slightly sweeter and softer cousin of London Dry Gin.
Watch Me Make It!
Now that you know the Martinez is the life of the party, why not see it in action? I’ve made a video showing you exactly how to mix this beauty, plus some tips to perfect your technique. Hit the link below to watch! 🎥👇
Cheers! 🍸🔥
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