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    Home » Classic Cocktails » The Martinez Cocktail is the Best of Both Worlds

    Published: Oct 2, 2020 · Modified: Feb 26, 2022 by Kevin Mayfield · This post may contain affiliate links.

    The Martinez Cocktail is the Best of Both Worlds

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    The Martinez cocktail is said to have inspired the Martini and several other famous mid century drinks. It uses the best parts of two of my favorite cocktails, the Martini and the Manhattan.

    A Martinez cocktail in a coupe glass surrounded by ingredients bottles and a mixing glass
    The Martinez cocktail was the inspiration for many of our mid century favorites.

    The 'Below the Radar' Classic

    My regular bartender knows that my go-to cocktail is a Manhattan. I prefer it to be made with a wheated bourbon like Weller Special Reserve because I enjoy the sweetness of the drink. But he also likes to surprise me from time to time and introduce me to drinks I may otherwise not have tried. The Martinez is a good example. One night he served me a cocktail that looked like a Manhattan and tasted like a combination of a Martini and a Manhattan, but was somehow different.

    I was surprised to learn that the Martinez had been around since at least the 1880's and inspired so many drinks, and yet I'd never even heard of it. It does not appear in Jacques Straub's Drinks book from 1914, either. So at some time this drink fell off the radar. But the drinks it is said to have inspired, like the Martini, have gone on to become very famous. Sort of like Carl Perkins--he originally wrote and sang 'Blue Suede Shoes,' but some other guy became famous for it.

    Where did the Martinez Cocktail Come From?

    There are a few legends surrounding this drink and who actually created it. Some say it has to do with people catching the ferry to the northern California town of Martinez, where cocktails were served. Another tale involves a miner who hit it big and ordered a special drink for the local bar crowd. The last story is of a bartender who tossed together some ingredients to satisfy a patron who ordered something he didn't have, and it became a hit! Regardless of how it got started, this gin-based drink is very satisfying, and has become the basis for other mixed drinks for good reason.

    Cocktails Change Over Time

    Like most cocktails, the Martinez has evolved and changed over time and has become a simpler drink to mix. Even the type of gin used to mix it has changed. Some experts suggest using a Dutch Genever or an Old Tom Gin as the base spirit. Those are great suggestions, but I prefer a Dry Gin like Bombay. It's crisp and refreshing and not too 'juniper-y,' and therefore doesn't overpower the other ingredients.

    For vermouth, I prefer the French Dubonnet Rouge, which gives the drink a wonderful spicy flavor. For something different, I sometimes substitute Dubonnet for Cocchi Vermouth di Torino to make a Manhattan. Give it a try!

    Lastly, my method for making a Martinez features Maraschino cherry liqueur rather than Curacao orange liqueur. I have become a huge fan of Luxardo Maraschino cherry liqueur -- it starts off tasting very sweet, and finishes with a wonderful nutty taste.

    Ingredients for a Delicious Martinez Cocktail

    You'll recognize the list of ingredients for the Martinez as parts of many other cocktails you probably already mix up.

    • Dry Gin
    • Sweet Vermouth
    • Maraschino Cherry Liqueur
    • Orange Bitters

    Tips for Successful Martinez

    This is not a complex drink to make, and keeping it simple will produce a quality drink.

    • Mix in a mixing glass with plenty of ice, using bar spoon to stir. Do not shake this cocktail since shaking will splinter the ice and make for a 'watered down' cocktail.
    • Garnish with an orange peel rather than a lemon. This gives the drink a smooth initial taste rather than a tart one.

    Have you tried this drink with Genever? Let me know and I'll include that in a future update.

    A close up cocktail in a coupe glass with a black background

    The Martinez Cocktail is the Best of Both Worlds

    Kevin Mayfield
    The Martinez cocktail contains the best of a Martini and Manhattan to create a wonderfully unique cocktail
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 2 minutes mins
    Total Time 2 minutes mins
    Course Classic Cocktail
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 Cocktail
    Calories 179 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 ½ Ounces Dry Gin
    • 1 ½ Ounces Sweet Vermouth
    • ½ Ounce Maraschino Cherry Liqueur
    • 2 dashes Orange bitters

    Instructions
     

    • Place two scoops of ice in a mixing glass
    • Pour in all ingredients and stir for 30 seconds or until nice and chilled
    • Strain into a coupe glass
    • Add an orange peel for garnish

    Notes

    I use a little extra Cherry liqueur as a personal preference. Cut it in half if you find the drink too sweet.
    Try substituting Angostura bitters instead of orange bitters for a different taste.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 179kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 1mgSugar: 5gIron: 1mg
    Keyword Cherry, Dry Gin, Gin, Manhattan, Maraschino, Martinez, Martini
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    About Kevin Mayfield

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    Comments

    1. Olivia says

      October 04, 2020 at 6:28 pm

      The Martinez is a favorite of mine! Was introduced to it at Cole's Red Car Bar in Downtown LA. Great drinks and great sandwiches 🙂

      Reply
      • Kevin says

        October 05, 2020 at 8:38 am

        Glad to find another Martinez fan Olivia. I look forward to getting back downtown again soon and will stop by Cole's. It's not easy to find a Martinez on the menu.

        Reply

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      Nancy and Bentley

      Hi, I'm Nancy! Welcome to Flourchild where I share classic mid-century recipes from the 1940's - 1970's. I feature many vintage handwritten recipes, and provide modern shortcuts and a variety of healthy and special diet-friendly versions whenever possible. Join me in exploring the delicious flavors and from-scratch cooking techniques of our past!

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