The cocktail notebook · Gin

Martinez

Sweet vermouth, gin and maraschino. A advanced comparison study made by stir and strain.

Base
London dry gin
Method
Stir & Strain
Glass
Cocktail coupe
Yield
One drink

Recipe reference: IBA reference recipe. House calibrates the reference bar spoon at 5 ml.

AI-generated illustration of a Martinez in a cocktail coupe
AI-generated illustration. Ingredient vessels are not measuring tools; use the written quantities.

Martinez recipe

1 serving · IBA reference recipe

Millilitres control this recipe. US fluid ounces are rounded to the nearest quarter ounce for convenience and are not a different recipe ratio. Dashes, spoons, leaves and other non-liquid measures are listed as written.

Martinez ingredients and measures for one drink
MeasureIngredient
45 ml≈ 1.5 US fl ozLondon dry gin
45 ml≈ 1.5 US fl ozsweet red vermouth
5 ml≈ 0.25 US fl ozLuxardo maraschino liqueur, calibrated house bar spoon
2 dashesorange bitters

Ice: Preparation ice only; no serving ice. Garnish: 1 lemon zest.

Learning bar service? Continue with the Martinez in module 1 of the free course →

How to make it

  1. Chill the serving glass and prepare clean mixing equipment.
  2. Measure all recipe ingredients into a mixing glass with fresh ice.
  3. Stir smoothly to combine, chill and control dilution; check the venue’s observed target.
  4. Strain into the chilled serving glass and apply the specified garnish.

Why it works: This modern reference uses London dry gin and equal gin/vermouth. Historical versions differ; specify the version rather than assuming the name fixes all details.

Common mistakes, useful fixes

Unrecorded substitution

Explain the reference and confirm an approved Old Tom variation if available.

Inconsistent finish

check the exact measures, products and preparation sequence.

Unclear guest expectation

explain this specification before preparing.

Serving the guest

What to tell the guest

Sweet vermouth, gin and maraschino. Explain the reference and confirm an approved Old Tom variation if available.

Dietary and product checks

Check all exact product labels and relevant guest restrictions; no generic recipe guarantees safety.

Variations

  • Any variant must be named and recorded. Explain the reference and confirm an approved Old Tom variation if available.

Where does the Martinez come from?

Origin: Origin not yet verified in this edition. (Origin not yet verified in this edition)

The cited IBA page establishes this modern reference recipe, not a definitive country, inventor or date. This lesson keeps those historical questions open rather than repeating an unsupported origin tale. Its learning purpose is specific: This modern reference uses London dry gin and equal gin/vermouth. Historical versions differ; specify the version rather than assuming the name fixes all details.

Martinez questions

What is the key decision in this study?

This modern reference uses London dry gin and equal gin/vermouth. Historical versions differ; specify the version rather than assuming the name fixes all details.

The guest expects Old Tom gin.

Explain the reference and confirm an approved Old Tom variation if available.

From a recipe to a repeatable skill

Learn the method behind the order.

Martinez is a required study in Advanced Cocktails & Refined Bar Service, module 1: Spirit and vermouth selection. Compare vermouth-led structure and gin styles with the foundation Martini.

The course is free. An optional paid certificate tests knowledge in an online exam; it is not an observed practical assessment or an accredited bartending qualification.

Sources & editorial notes

  1. IBA reference recipe

Compiled by Hospitality Certificate from the course record (source check 2026-10-12). This edition has not been independently prepared and tasted by a bartender. The illustration does not establish measured quantities, finished volume or glass capacity.

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