Martinez

Bucket-list Classic drinks at Dutch Courage Cocktailbar

Martinez

The Martinez is one of the most important classic cocktails at Dutch Courage Cocktailbar. The cocktail itself is the “missing link” between Whisky and gin, the same way that Genever itself is the missing link between these two spirit categories from a flavour stand point. And, similar to genever, this cocktail, too, is often overlooked and underestimated. But once it is enjoyed in the correct preparation, it is quite the enjoyable drink.

The How-To

Our Martinez has been on the Dutch Courage Cocktailbar menu since it opened in 2020. Its story is one of Dutch heritage, difficulties and how to overcome it. Pretty much like the history of the bar itself!

Here the exact specs the same as we make the drink in the bar.

In Action

I myself have had a fascination for the Martinez since my early bartending days. In fact, one of the earlier cocktails I created “Be Kind, Unwind” is a variation of it. See me make it here at Door 74 back in 2015 (!)

The when and where

The First mention of the Martinez known was in OH Byron’s “Modern Bartenders’ Guide” From 1884.

It is often credited to Professor Jerry Thomas himself, but considering he didn’t mention the cocktail in his first two books this appears mistaken.

Gin, in that period, would have to have been Genever, as British gin was not yet in vogue. The also makes a lot of sense flavour-wise. Often, Old Tom was used later on when genever supply dried up, and Old Tom certainly makes do. However, Genever is the true OG, and it would have had to be a 100% Maltwine type at that.

Also note this predates the arrival of the Martini, but it is assumed the Manhattan arrived verbally at the Martini via the word Martinez. Confusion about which vermouth to use (sweet or dry) and the difference in flavors between gin and genever would have led to this end point being the (wet) martini.

Next, note how in all Manhattan versions at least as much vermouth is used as spirit. When using a particular strong malt wine genever, this certainly works wonders. When using Old Duff Maltwine genever for instance, Philip himself recommends 30 ml of Old Duff versus 50 ml of sweet vermouth. In our recipe however, we use the much softer Rutte Barrel aged, making a strong case to use a recipe closer to that of the Manhattan.

On the ingredients
X Genever. Make sure to use a genever with a high malt wine percentage, ideally 100%. Nevertheless the cocktail will work with all styles of genever. The same can NOT be said about gin as a substitute. Here, it really is crucial to find an Old Tom. In the worst, thirstiest cases, use a gin with the least amount of juniper to it.

X Sweet vermouth. We are using the delicious Willem’s Wermoed, but this is to personal taste. When using genever, the cocktail can handle a lot of additional taste, as can be seen by the…

X Maraschino. We use the tried and true Luxardo here, but we hear great things from Maraska as well for instance.

X Boker’s Bitters. These were featured for the first time in the 1887 Jerry Thomas edition when he (finally) included the cocktail. Boker’s bitters were one of the, if not the, most popular bitters of that time. Two types are still made: in a larger bottle by The Bitter Truth, and the one we are using from Adem Elmigareb. Fun little fact, in Jerry Thomas he speaks of “Bogart’s Bitters” but this is thought to be a mistake as no such thing existed at that time.

X Please note we did not include Orange Curaçao, (Gomme) Sugar syrup, Absinthe or dry vermouth. Although all of these were featured at certain renditions of the Martinez, we feel they lack necessary impact on the resulting drink, or make it unnecessary cloying.

Mix like a pro
X Stir long until properly diluted and chilled. Often, this is longer than you’ think. When in doubt, stir some more.

X For the love of all that is holy, never shake this cocktail.

X Zest with a peeler and make sure the oils are well zested on the drink.

X Use only the best quality cocktail cherry. Your cocktail will thank you.

X Glass ware should be well-frozen. A coupe or nick & Nora is preferred, but this is the type of cocktail that is delicious in just about any glass.

Have a go at making a wonderful Martinez and drink to excellence. When in doubt, drop by Dutch Courage Cocktailbar for our classic one, or vary with a different genever or vermout.