For round 2 of our spirits project, we focused on the Martinez cocktail. Some believe the Martinez is the precursor to the dry martini. We tried two different recipes, each with two different gins.
Measuring old tom gin for round 1.
The first recipe we tried:
1 dash bitters (Angostura)
2 dashes Maraschnio (we used 3/4 bar spoon of Luxardo)
1 pony (1 oz.) Old Tom Gin (we used Hayman’s)
1 wineglass (4 oz.) dry vermouth (we used Dolin)
This cocktail did not have enough gin!
The second recipe we tried:
2 dashes Angostura
2 dashes Maraschino
1.5 oz. gin
1.5 oz. dry vermouth
This recipe made a much more balanced cocktail. We made both of these recipes with Tanqueray and with Hayman’s. The sweetness provided by the Old Tom gin proved to be key. We opted to omit the lemon wedge garnish suggested by each recipe, not finding it very classy.
The winning combination.
Looking at the ingredients for this cocktail, I didn’t have high hopes. With the right recipe, however, it turned out to be a very refreshing cocktail. Something an old man might reward himself with after mowing the lawn.
Some cocktail porn for your viewing pleasure.
A Thirsty Spirit 