Club Cocktail

Pro tips

• Chill your glass with ice water before straining to keep the drink cold longer without over-dilution.
• Use a 2:1 gin-to-vermouth ratio as a starting point, then adjust to your preference for dryness or sweetness.
• Stir for exactly 20-30 seconds—longer stirring adds too much water, shorter doesn't achieve proper chill and dilution.
• Quality matters with just two ingredients; avoid bottom-shelf vermouth, which often tastes flat or oxidized.

Substitutions

• Sweet Vermouth → Dry Vermouth (creates a drier, more Martini-like drink)
• Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin → Any London Dry gin (Beefeater, Tanqueray, or premium options like Bombay Sapphire)

Equipment

mixing glass · bar spoon · jigger · cocktail strainer

What type of gin works best for a Club Cocktail?

London Dry style gin is traditional, but any quality gin with botanical character will work. Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin or similar mid-range gins are standard choices.

Should a Club Cocktail be shaken or stirred?

Stir with ice in a mixing glass for 20-30 seconds, then strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. This preserves the spirit's aromatics better than shaking.

What's the difference between this and a Martini?

A Club Cocktail uses sweet vermouth instead of dry vermouth, creating a slightly sweeter profile than a traditional Martini.

Can I batch this cocktail ahead?

Yes—combine gin and vermouth in a bottle without ice, refrigerate, then stir with ice and strain individually to order for fresh dilution.

What garnish works with a Club Cocktail?

A cherry or lemon twist complements the sweet vermouth. Keep garnish minimal to avoid overpowering the spirit balance.