Went out to Drink a few days ago to bid goodbye to a new friend leaving town, and as could be expected at Drink, had smashingly perfect cocktails and very tasty food. However: one cocktail stood out from the rest, being outside my well-trodden realm of whisky + aromatic liquors, but gorgeously bright, richly flavorful, and entertainingly retro.
Enter Martinez: Old Tom gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino, bitters.
Wouldn’t have thought I’d like anything with maraschino, but apparently I do when it’s in balance with other ingredients. There’s a great deal of discussion in recipes about proportion and ingredients, and sadly I was one too many drinks in to retain what they used at Drink, but I believe the stage is set for some entertaining experimentation at home of an evening.
http://postprohibition.com/liquor-cabinet/ransom-old-tom-gin/
http://www.bittersandtwisted.com/content/whats-martinez
http://umamimart.com/2011/09/happy-hour-vermouth-101-the-martinez-the-grand-daddy-of-cocktails/