Martinez

ABV 27.4% /  2.8 alcoholic units

Primary Ingredient: Gin

A Brief History of the Martinez

The Martinez is widely regarded as the missing link between the Manhattan and the Dry Martini, and one of the earliest gin-based cocktails recorded in history. First appearing in print in the late 19th century, notably in Jerry Thomas’s Bartender’s Guide (1887), the drink reflects an era when cocktails were richer, rounder, and more aromatically complex.

While the classic recipe calls for maraschino liqueur, historical variations exist that use curaçao, highlighting orange peel rather than almond and cherry notes. This variation remains faithful to the spirit of early cocktail construction while offering a brighter, citrus-led expression.

Taste and Flavour Profile

This Curaçao-led Martinez is aromatic, rounded, and gently citrus-driven.

• Botanical and Structured – Gin provides herbal backbone and definition

• Rich and Wine-Led – Sweet vermouth adds body, spice, and softness

• Bright and Citrus-Forward – Curaçao contributes orange peel, light sweetness, and gentle bitterness

• Dry, Spiced Finish – Bitters bring balance and length

The result is a slightly drier, more lifted Martinez with clearer citrus definition and less nuttiness than the maraschino version.

Food Pairings

This variation pairs well with:

• Cured Meats and Terrines – Citrus cuts through richness

• Hard and Washed-Rind Cheeses – Complements vermouth spice

• Olives and Pickled Vegetables – Enhances the drink’s dry finish

• Citrus or Herb-Led Canapés – Orange and botanical notes align naturally

Bar Equipment:

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Hawthorn strainer & fine sieve 
• Jigger
  
• Coupe/Nick & Nora glass

Ingredients

• 50ml Oude Genever
• 22.5ml Sweet Vermouth
• 7.5ml Dry Vermouth
• 5ml Orange Curacao liqueur
• 1 dash Angostura Bitters
• Garnish: Expressed orange zest
• Ice

Method

• Add the ingredients into the mixing glass and stir over ice
• Double strain into chilled glass
• Express orange zest and garnish

What are the best Genever for a Martinez?

For a Martinez made with genever, you want a style that’s malt-forward but refined, giving weight and softness without overpowering the vermouth.

Three excellent options:

• Bols Genever – Rich malt wine character with gentle spice and citrus. Smooth, balanced, and very true to early Martinez-style drinks.

• Filliers 5-Year-Old Genever – Deeper and more complex, with vanilla, oak, and soft grain sweetness. Ideal for a fuller, more contemplative Martinez.

• Rutte Old Simon Genever – Clean but characterful, with subtle malt, citrus peel, and spice. A great bridge between gin and genever styles.