Updated on: 6/3/2025
What Is a Classic Martinez Cocktail?
The Martinez cocktail is a cornerstone of classic bartending. Often considered the forerunner to the modern martini, it combines the richness of gin with the complexity of sweet vermouth, a touch of maraschino liqueur, and the lift of orange bitters. Its reputation is built on layered flavors and historical mystique—no other cocktail captures the transformation of 19th-century drinks culture as vividly.
A Brief History of the Martinez
Tracing the exact origins of the Martinez is challenging; its first print appearance dates to the late 1800s. The earliest recipes are found in O.H. Byron’s 1884 “Modern Bartender’s Guide” and Jerry Thomas’s 1887 “Bartender’s Guide.” The drink likely emerged in California, possibly named for the city of Martinez or for a prominent bartender. What’s clear is that the Martinez predates both the dry martini and the Manhattan. Early versions featured Old Tom gin—a sweeter, fuller-bodied gin—married with vermouth for an aromatic, gently sweet cocktail that bridges old world and new.
Martinez Cocktail Recipe (Original Style)
A classic Martinez favors Old Tom gin for authentic balance, but London Dry gin will give a drier, crisper edge. Maraschino liqueur and orange bitters define the profile; a lemon twist adds aromatic brightness. Below is a widely accepted formulation based on 19th-century mixes:
- 45 ml Old Tom gin (or London Dry for a drier profile)
- 45 ml sweet vermouth
- 7.5 ml maraschino liqueur
- 2 ml orange bitters
- Lemon twist, for garnish
- Add gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir gently for 20–30 seconds until well-chilled and diluted.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
- Express a lemon twist over the drink and drop it in as garnish.
How Ingredients Shape Flavor
Ingredient choice has a dramatic impact: Old Tom gin brings a subtle sweetness and spice, creating harmony with rich vermouth. London Dry alternatives add clarity and dryness. The maraschino isn’t about cherry flavor—it’s nutty, floral, and slightly funky, creating a depth that transforms the base spirits. Orange bitters tie the mix together with spicy, citrus zip. Never underestimate the lemon twist: the fresh oils complete the drink’s aromatic bouquet.
Variations and Modern Twists
Few cocktails inspire as much creative debate as the Martinez. Ingredient tweaks spark passionate discussion behind every bar—whether to use dry vermouth for a lighter touch, or sub in Angostura for orange bitters. Some modern recipes use higher gin ratios or add a dash of absinthe. Each spin gives a different reading of the cocktail’s character:
- Dry Martinez: Replace part or all of the sweet vermouth with dry vermouth for a crisper, less lush profile.
- Extra Bitters: Upping the orange bitters (or adding a dash of Angostura) sharpens spice and balances sweetness.
- Absinthe Rinse: Swirl a few drops of absinthe or pastis in the glass before pouring for a subtle anise aroma.
- Gin Swap: Try genever for malty richness, or contemporary gins for bold botanicals.
Cultural Legacy of the Martinez
The Martinez isn't merely a recipe—it's a ritual and a window to the evolution of cocktail-making. Revered by historians and bartenders alike, it offers a hands-on lesson in balance, pre-Prohibition flavor, and the powerful influence a few drops of bitters or liqueur can bring. Enjoying a Martinez is appreciating a living artifact, as suited to modern taste as it was to Victorian barrooms.