Interesting Side Note:
We live less than 30 minutes from the small town of Martinez where this drink (supposedly) was created / was commemorating. You’d really think we’d drink these more often!
Whether this drink was created in Martinez, named for the folks who take the evening San Francisco Ferry to Martinez, or maybe even just named after a fellow named Martinez who created it – there’s no question, it’s a fantastic classic drink.
Luxardo Marascino vs. Bols Maraschino
When I told Chris I’d be making myself a Martinez, he volunteered to “suffer” through one of his own so we could do a comparison of the two liqueurs: Luxardo Marascino vs. the new Bols. (He’s such a trooper!)
Here’s what we found:
The Martinez with Luxardo:
This drink definitely had a stronger peppery note and a much longer finish. It’s balanced and (not surprisingly) delicious. A 750ML bottle will set you back nearly $35, but let’s be honest – it’s going to look great on your back-bar.
The Martinez with Bols Maraschino:
With the Bols liqueur, we found the maraschino flavor was a tad more mellow and muted. The finish was a bit shorter and I didn’t notice the pepperiness that we encountered in the Luxardo version. That said, I actually preferred this cocktail as a slightly mellower drink. Equally balanced and delicious, the Bols Martinez was still a great drink. It should also be mentioned, a 750ML bottle is significantly cheaper at around $18 – so this is a really good option if you’re watching your bar budget closely.
Drink up!
Whatever you’re using, the Martinez is a great cocktail that should definitely find its way onto your list. Have you tried the Bols Maraschino yet? How does it compare in your cocktails?
The Martinez
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 oz London Dry Gin
- 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1 barspoon Maraschino Liqueur
- 2 dashes Orange Bitters
Instructions
- Stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass.
- Strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with an orange twist.
I gathered from reading Gary Regan, David Wondrich and Dale DeGroff that the Martinez was the intermediary between the Manhattan and the martini.
I wonder which maraschino liqueur you would have preferred had you used an Old Tom gin rather than a London dry? Or if you’d used Boker’s or Angostura bitters instead of the orange.
I wish I could try all of those variations, but all Bols products have disappeared from the shelves of my favorite liquor store.
Have you tried the Bols maraschino in an Aviation cocktail, yet?
I’m with you – there are a lot of variations I’d like to try, and I’m sure we will over time. I think the Aviation would definitely be another good test!