Guest post by Sean Lorre, PhoBlograpHusband.
I’m afraid that one of my oldest friends doesn’t like me much anymore. We used to be thick as thieves. We could really count on each other, you know? I’d sing his praises to anyone who would listen and in turn he’d lift my spirits, get me through tough times… hell, he even helped me meet my wife. But lately, things just haven’t been the same. Why, bourbon? Why have you turned on me?
See, used to be that I could drink bourbon all night and never have a problem. But lately, just a glass or two leaves me worse for wear the next day. This newfound shortcoming has left me in a predicament and wary of ordering my go-to drink, the Manhattan. Thankfully, I have a fallback… enter the Martinez!
The Martinez, ostensibly the precursor of both the Manhattan AND the Martini, has a long, illustrious and much debated history. I won’t bore you with the details, much less a historiographic critique of said details. (Did I mention that I’m working on my Ph.D.?) Point is that it’s old-school, classic and fantastic. I had my first Martinez at the Flatiron Lounge a few years ago, just as I was discovering the world of the craft cocktail. It’s been a favorite ever since, though it has only been in the last year, after finally investing in a bottle of Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, that I started making them at home. In recent months I’ve started to see a real resurgence of the Martinez on drink lists. Viva la Martinez renaissance!
The Martinez
2 ounces gin
1 ounce sweet vermouth
1/2 ounce Luxardo Maraschino liqueur
3 dashes bitters (Angostura or Peychaud’s)
Orange peel, to garnish
Combine the gin, vermouth, Luxardo and bitters in a tumbler filled with ice. Stir vigorously and strain into your favorite old-time cocktail class. Garnish with orange peel, flamed if you can, “to add flavour and aroma to the surface of the cocktail.”
Tasting Notes
You’ll note that I don’t specify any particular gin or vermouth (or bitters for that matter). The key to a good Martinez is the proportions. Stick to these and you’ll end up happy with your drink. You may also note that the 1887 recipe calls for Old Tom gin. If you got some or can get some, give it a whirl. If not, good ole London dry will do just fine.
6 comments
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November 10, 2011 at 7:22 pm
Dave from NJ
I don’t know Sean . . .being a Bourbon or a Gin purist, this seems strange, but I’ll give it a try this weekend. One of my Manhattan secrets besides plenty of bitters was the teaspoon of cherry juice – always rounded it out nicely. I’ll try that not having Luxardo in the house. You should have tried this out at PAC.
November 11, 2011 at 3:42 pm
seanlorre
Give it a go, Dave! I understand your hesitation, but given your tastes, I think you’ll really like it. Cherry juice will do in a pinch but the luxardo really makes a difference. It has a little bitterness in the back of the flavor that the cherry juice won’t give you. You should also try the rye perfect manhattan, if you haven’t already…
November 11, 2011 at 5:57 pm
Eebie
I do know Sean Lorre and would love to try this drink but I am an anti Gin gal…it has to do with a former boss who smelled like gin starting at 7 am…just can’t do it! BUT I want to see more from you Mr. Lorre…and would love if you would guest blog for me as well! XO Eebie
November 11, 2011 at 11:00 pm
Barclay
I guess you got your Maraschino liqueur south of the border, cause I don’t think our beloved SAQ carries it. It’s very frustrating. Recently, Pimm’s did appear at my SAQ, so there’s hope. Any kind of 151 rum would be welcome too, but I’m not holding my breath. Those who decide for us what we should drink or not here in Quebec probably think we can’t handle that kind of booze. Good blog, keep at it.
November 14, 2011 at 5:16 pm
rosemauralorre
I believe the Luxardo liqueur did come from down under. And I also have heard about the recent arrival of Pimm’s here. Did you hear anything about last week’s referendum in Washington state to cease all operations of government-run liquor stores? It’s strange and funny to read up on, because apparently the way the new law is worded, Washington small craft distilleries and bars are not happy about the switch at all. They actually have complained that there will be less selection and competitive pricing. Huh? (I know that Costco was a huge sponsor of the referendum, so I think the fact that the law favors big-box stores has something to do with it.)
p.s. I loved your write-up of the Jardin Tiki, I’m dying to go there!
November 14, 2011 at 8:55 pm
Dave from NJ
OK, made Martinezs this Saturday evening. Without the Luxardo used a good teaspoon of maraschino cherry juice and was very pleased with the result. Gives me another great gin cocktail – want to try it now with different brands of gin. I was afraid that Tanqueray 10 would be too herbal. Wonder if kirschwasser would be a good substitute for the Luxardo?