The Martinez
The Martinez: The 1880s Cocktail That May Have Invented the Martini
The Martinez first appeared in print in Jerry Thomas's 1887 edition of "The Bartender's Guide," though the drink likely existed earlier. The origin story is disputed, with some claiming it was created in Martinez, California, while others attribute it to New York bartenders. What's clear is that by the late 1880s, the Martinez was an established cocktail.
The Martinez is widely considered the predecessor to the Martini, though the connection is debated. The two drinks share similar names and both combine gin and vermouth, but the Martinez uses Old Tom gin (a sweeter style) instead of London Dry, sweet vermouth instead of dry, and includes maraschino liqueur and bitters that don't appear in the classic Martini.
What makes the Martinez distinctive is its sweetness and complexity compared to the austere Martini. The Old Tom gin provides a rounder, slightly sweet base, while the sweet vermouth adds herbal and spiced notes. The maraschino liqueur contributes a subtle cherry-almond flavor, and the bitters provide aromatic depth.
The Martinez gradually evolved through the late 1800s and early 1900s, with recipes becoming drier and simpler until they eventually became what we recognize as the Martini. By the 1920s, the Martinez had largely disappeared as the Martini took over, though it experienced a revival during the craft cocktail movement when bartenders rediscovered historical recipes.
RECIPE:
2 oz Old Tom gin
1 oz sweet vermouth
¼ oz maraschino liqueur
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Lemon peel for garnish
Method:
Add gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters to mixing glass with ice
Stir for 30 seconds until well-chilled
Strain into chilled coupe glass
Express lemon peel over drink and garnish