Martinez
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.74 / 5

Said to have emerged around 1860-1870, and is often touted as one of the world’s oldest gin cocktails. Said to have emerged around 1860-1870, and is often touted as one of the world’s oldest gin cocktails.

Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink

Rating

4.74 / 5

Invented

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1870

Base ingredient

Dry gin

Garnish

Lemon

Alcohol content

27.32% | 2.6 units of alcohol ^*

Details

Classic

Stirred

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

Orange Bitters

Red vermouth

Dry gin

Maraschino cherry liqueur

Serves:

Can you make this?

Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Martinez cocktail, with its rich tapestry of flavors, expertly walks the line between robust and refreshing. The combination of red vermouth and dry gin offers a harmonious balance of herbal and floral notes, while the maraschino cherry liqueur introduces a subtle sweetness that complements the crisp bite of the orange bitters, making this historic drink a delight for those who appreciate complexity in their cocktails.

Method
How to make a Martinez

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

: Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir to combine and chill the ingredients
: Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with a lemon peel and serve

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

· Stir · Strain · Garnish ·

Your private tasting notes

~ Register as a user to create tasting notes, save your bar and more ~

Can you make this?

Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

Comments

No comments yet…

You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register

Featured in

Classy Cocktails

In the world of mixology, certain cocktails possess an inherent aura of sophistication, effortlessly elevating the drinker's persona and exuding...

Go to collection

FAQ's

What is the history behind the Martinez cocktail?

The Martinez cocktail is considered a predecessor to the modern martini and has its origins in the mid to late 19th century. It is believed to have been first concocted in the California Gold Rush era. However, the exact origins are a bit murky with various stories attributing it to different bartenders and locations. One popular story claims it was first mixed in Martinez, California, hence the name.

What does the Martinez cocktail taste like?

The Martinez cocktail has a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and bitter with herbal notes. The sweetness primarily comes from the red vermouth and the maraschino cherry liqueur, while the orange bitters add a citrusy bitterness. The dry gin provides a botanical depth, making it a rich, aromatic, and well-balanced drink.

Can I use any type of gin for a Martinez cocktail?

While you can technically use any type of gin for a Martinez, traditionally, a more aromatic gin such as an Old Tom gin is preferred for its slightly sweeter profile compared to London Dry gin. However, experimenting with different gins can help you find your personalized preference for this cocktail.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Martinez cocktail?

Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic version of the Martinez cocktail by substituting the gin and vermouth with non-alcoholic alternatives. Non-alcoholic spirit brands often offer botanical versions that mimic the flavor of gin, and there are non-alcoholic aperitifs that can replace vermouth. Use a non-alcoholic maraschino cherry syrup to substitute the liqueur and maintain the sweetness.

What is the best way to serve a Martinez cocktail?

The Martinez cocktail is best served in a chilled cocktail glass. It should be stirred with ice in a mixing glass until well-chilled and then strained into the serving glass. Garnishing with a twist of lemon peel or an orange slice can add an aromatic touch to the drink. Additionally, a maraschino cherry can be added as a traditional garnish to complete the presentation.

Upgrade your mixology

Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11.

Save your bar forever
Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
A pesonalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)

Olympic Cocktails and More

Discover a host of cocktails inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympics, meet the bartenders behind the cocktails and win yourself some juicy Amazon vouchers.

Our Olympic Cocktail Hub