THE HISTORY OF THE MARTINEZ COCKTAIL

The Martinez Cocktail is a legendary drink often referred to as the precursor to the Martini. Its origins are debated — some trace it to Jerry Thomas at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco around 1860, while others claim it was created in the nearby town of Martinez, California.

Regardless of its true birthplace, the Martinez reflects a transitional moment in cocktail history: it combines the richness and sweetness of a Manhattan with the botanical elegance of a gin-based drink, ultimately paving the way for the dry Martini we know today.

Originally made with Old Tom Gin (a lightly sweetened gin style), sweet vermouth, and a touch of maraschino liqueur, the Martinez offers a complex, slightly floral and nutty profile that is both sophisticated and approachable.

Modern versions sometimes swap Old Tom for London Dry Gin or adjust the vermouth ratio for a drier palate — but the classic version remains a favorite among bartenders and cocktail historians alike.

THE RIGHT GIN FOR A MARTINEZ

Old Tom Gin is the traditional choice for the Martinez, as it bridges the gap between the maltier gins of the 19th century and the drier gins used today. Its subtle sweetness and rounded juniper profile blend seamlessly with vermouth and maraschino liqueur.

Recommended picks:

• Hayman’s Old Tom – clean, balanced, and faithful to the original style

• Citadelle Old Tom “No Mistake” – a complex, French take on the style with warm spice and a touch of barrel aging; rich and expressive

The maraschino liqueur adds a faint cherry-almond note that enhances the cocktail’s depth without overpowering it, while the bitters brighten and round out the finish.

If you’re a fan of the Martini, Manhattan, or Negroni, the Martinez Cocktail offers a historical and flavorful in-between — refined, slightly sweet, and endlessly intriguing.

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