Mezcal Martinez
A smoky and dry mezcal cocktail ∙ Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 27.3% ABV ∙
The Mezcal Martinez is a stirred Martinez variation of mezcal, Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, Cynar, maraschino liqueur and cocoa bitters.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Stir all ingredients with ice: Mezcal 50 mlCarpano Antica Formula vermouth 15 mlCynar 15 mlMaraschino liqueur 10 mlCocoa bitters 1 dash
- Fine strain into the chilled glass
- Express an orange twist over the cocktail and use as garnish
Tips
- Reach for a joven (unaged) mezcal rather than a heavily aged one; an old mezcal can bury the Cynar and maraschino.
History
The Mezcal Martinez replaces the gin of the Martinez with mezcal and pairs its smoke with Cynar, a bittersweet Italian amaro. One version, with Cynar and maraschino liqueur, was published by Saveur under the byline of Carey Jones and John McCarthy. A separate version, created in 2020 to mark Mezcal Day on October 21, has been attributed to Richard Elgar.
The Martinez is a 19th-century American cocktail first set down in print in O.H. Byron's 1884 Modern Bartenders' Guide. The mezcal version keeps its stirred, spirit-forward structure but trades the base spirit for an agave one, giving a smokier, earthier drink.
FAQ
How do you make a Mezcal Martinez?
Stir the mezcal, vermouth, Cynar, maraschino liqueur, and cocoa bitters with ice until well-chilled, then fine-strain into a pre-chilled coupe. Finish by expressing an orange twist over the drink and dropping it in as garnish.
Is a Martinez sweeter than a Martini?
Yes. The maraschino liqueur and sweet vermouth make this Mezcal Martinez sweeter and fruitier than a dry Martini, while Cynar's bitterness keeps that sweetness in check.
