Careful now, this will be a strong one!

The Martinez is a renowned cocktail which is regarded as the precursor to the classic Martini. It is a base for a lot of modern cocktails, with numerous bartenders putting their own twist on it. These include the use of different bitters and garnishes including Maraschino cherries or Curacao.

The origins of the Martinez cocktail remain clouded in mystery with two bartenders in particular, Jerry Thomas at the Occidental Hotel and a bartender called Richelieue who worked in a bar in Martinez, California. A drink guide written by O.H. Bryon in 1884 also listed a recipe for a Martinez, calling it a “Manhattan, only with gin instead of whiskey”.

There are a number of recipes for a Martinez – we’ve made ours simple enough for even the most inexperienced of home mixologists. Key to it all is our Jones 1778 Navy Strength gin. This unique gin is made by cask aging our award-wining Irish gin for 120 days in Kentucky bourbon barrels before transferring for 20 days in Oloroso sherry casks. The result is a 57% abv gin with a natural caramel colour from the wood casks, with hints of bourbon and spiciness from the Oloroso sherry.

To make this classic cocktail, simply stir all your ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a zest of lemon. It really is that easy! And go easy… it packs a punch 🙂