Recently, a large box of Purity gins and vodkas was delivered to us unexpectedly.
Curious, we tasted the line of products and were pleasantly surprised. The Purity 51 organic vodka is very smooth and has numerous awards attesting to that fact. Also in the box was a bottle of Purity Old Tom gin, which was the bridge between the original malty Dutch genever and the modern London dry gin. It has some of the sweetness of genever, but more botanicals, like the London dry style. Old Tom gin was at the height of its popularity in the 1800s, and is the featured spirit of the original Tom Collins and the Martinez.
The Martinez might have been the predecessor of the martini. Some stories say famous bartender Jerry Thomas created it, while others say it was created in Martinez, California. Cocktail historians are skeptical of both origin stories.
It also is considered a bridge between the martini and the Manhattan. We do know that the first written mention of the Martinez (“same as Manhattan, only you substitute gin for whisky,”) was in “Modern Bartenders Guide” by O. H. Byron, from 1884. Back then, a Manhattan was equal portions of whiskey and sweet vermouth, versus the 2-to-1 ratio of modern tastes.
While some folks think the Martinez is too sweet, the resurgence of quality Old Tom gin, like Purity or Hayman’s, has us mixing the cocktails regularly, especially this time of year. In cold weather, the spice notes from the bitters and vermouth and the little extra sweetness seem festive. It’s like you have winterized your martini. Happy holidays!
MARTINEZ
1½ ounces Old Tom gin, such as Purity or Hayman’s
1½ ounces sweet vermouth, such as Cocchi Torino
¼ ounce Luxardo maraschino liqueur
2 dashes aromatic bitters, such as angostura or Boker’s
garnish of orange or lemon peel
Add the ingredients to a mixing glass and add ice. Stir until very cold and strain into a cocktail glass. Squeeze the oils of an orange peel or lemon peel over the cocktail, and enjoy.
Serves 1
Per serving: 182 calories (percent of calories from fat, 0), trace protein, 6 grams carbohydrates, no total sugars, no fiber, no fat, no cholesterol, 4 milligrams sodium.
The Slaters are beverage industry veterans and the proprietors of the Expat and the Lark Winespace in Athens.
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