Method
- Pour the gin, vermouth, and maraschino liqueur into a mixing glass.
- Add orange bitters and fill with ice cubes.
- Stir well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
About the Martinez
The Martinez is a sophisticated sour cocktail that combines London dry gin with red vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters. This drink offers a complex herbal character balanced by citrus notes, making it a precursor to the modern Martini.
History
The true origin of the Martinez is unclear. Early stories attribute its creation to either bartender Jerry Thomas at the Occidental Hotel or a bartender named Richelieu in Martinez, California. The first known recipe appeared in Jerry Thomas' 1887 guide, calling for Old Tom gin, vermouth, maraschino, and bitters. Various versions evolved over time, with some using curaçao instead of maraschino, eventually leading to the development of the Martini as a distinct cocktail.
