Martinez Cocktail

Pro tips

• Chill your glass with ice before pouring to keep the cocktail cold longer.
• Use fresh ice when stirring; avoid old or cloudy ice that dilutes flavor.
• Stir gently for about 30 seconds—over-stirring dilutes the drink and affects balance.
• Pour the vermouth first to coat the mixing glass and prevent the gin from dominating.

Substitutions

• Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin → Tanqueray or Bols (maintain London Dry profile)
• Curaçao → Cointreau or triple sec (lighter, less orange-forward result)
• Orange Bitters → Angostura Bitters (more spice, less citrus)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are best served fresh immediately after mixing; do not store prepared Martinez.

Equipment

mixing glass · bar spoon · jigger · strainer · coupe or martini glass

What's the difference between a Martinez and a martini?

A Martinez uses equal parts gin and dry vermouth with curaçao and orange bitters, making it sweeter and more herbaceous than a dry martini, which favors gin over vermouth.

Should I stir or shake a Martinez?

Stir the Martinez with ice for 30 seconds to chill and dilute it properly, then strain into a coupe or martini glass—shaking is not traditional.

Can I make a Martinez without curaçao?

Yes, omit it or substitute with a small splash of Cointreau or triple sec, though this changes the flavor profile slightly.

What gin works best for a Martinez?

Use a London Dry style gin with balanced botanicals; Old Mr. Boston or comparable gins with moderate juniper work well.

What should I use to garnish a Martinez?

A lemon twist or cherry are traditional; express the lemon oil over the drink before dropping it in for aroma and citrus notes.