Rich, malty, fruity, aromatic
An excellent aperitif to enjoy with a dish of fresh cherries or smoked almonds.
Derived from the Manhattan, the dark origin of the martini lies in this combination first printed in 1884. Many recipes use Old Tom gin, but the drink may have been made with an even older gin style, genever, which is recreated here. More of a style than a single recipe, the Martinez is a delightful combination of malty Holland-style gin and Italian vermouth that, legend says, first appeared in the California town of Martinez, where it was served to a gold miner in 1874. Majestic, smooth, and robust, it mimics the color of a shiny mahogany bar.
2 ounces (60 ml) Italian sweet vermouth (Carpano Antica)
1 ounce (30 ml) genever (Bols)
1 teaspoon maraschino liqueur (Luxardo)
Dash of Angostura bitters
Cherry, for garnish (optional)
Stir ingredients with ice, strain, and pour into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with cherry.