Fig Martinez

The Fig Martinez is a sophisticated cocktail that enhances the traditional Martinez formula with the deep, fruity sweetness of fig. It typically uses an Old Tom gin as its base, paired with sweet vermouth that has been infused with figs, or supplemented with a fig liqueur. Maraschino liqueur and bitters add complexity, resulting in a beautifully balanced, aromatic, and warming drink perfect for cooler evenings.
Fig Martinez

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Fig Martinez is categorized as a cocktail, specifically a modern classic. It's a contemporary twist on the original Martinez, which is itself a foundational classic cocktail. This places it in the family of sophisticated, spirit-forward drinks that are stirred and served straight up.

Serving

Serve this spirit-forward cocktail cold in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass to maintain its temperature and showcase its color. With an ABV around 25-30%, it is a moderately strong drink.
Serving size
Approximately 100 ml / 3.5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail is a modern creation, born from the craft cocktail movement's love for reinterpreting classics with seasonal ingredients. While there isn't a single credited inventor, it emerged as bartenders sought to add autumnal flavors to historic recipes. The fig's jammy sweetness pairs exceptionally well with the botanical notes of gin and the herbal character of vermouth, making it a natural and delicious evolution of the original.
Origin
The Fig Martinez is a 21st-century creation, originating from the craft cocktail scene in the United States or Europe. It doesn't have a specific year of invention but is part of the trend of using infusions and seasonal ingredients that gained popularity in the 2010s.

Fig Martinez

The drink is primarily known as the Fig Martinez. Some might refer to it by more descriptive names like Autumn Martinez, but these are not widely standardized. The name clearly communicates its core identity as a variation of the classic Martinez cocktail with the addition of fig.
Original name
Fig Martinez
Alternative name
Autumn Martinez

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a rich, silky texture with a sweet and herbal flavor profile dominated by gin botanicals and jammy fig. Its deep amber color and warming, fruity aftertaste make it a perfect cocktail for autumn and winter.
Flavor
Sweet, Herbal, Botanical, Fruity, Fig, Complex, Rich
Aroma
Juniper, Sweet Vermouth, Fig, Orange oil, Maraschino cherry
Taste balance
Sweet, Bitter, Herbal
Aftertaste
Long, Warming, Fruity, Spiced
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Deep amber, Reddish-brown, Clear
Texture
Silky, Smooth, Viscous
Seasonality
Warming, Autumnal, Wintery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely fruity and sweet, balanced by a notable herbal bitterness and strong alcohol presence. It is a still, non-creamy cocktail with a complex and robust character.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires Old Tom gin, fig-infused sweet vermouth, a touch of maraschino liqueur, and a couple of dashes of orange bitters. The key ingredient is the fig-infused vermouth, which can be homemade or substituted with a combination of sweet vermouth and fig liqueur.
  • Old Tom Gin45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A slightly sweetened gin that works best for the Martinez profile. London Dry can be used in a pinch.
  • Fig-Infused Sweet Vermouth45 ml / 1.5 oz
    To make, combine one 750ml bottle of sweet vermouth with 6-8 chopped dried figs. Let sit for 24-48 hours, then strain. Alternatively, use 30ml (1oz) sweet vermouth and 15ml (0.5oz) fig liqueur.
  • Maraschino Liqueur1 bar spoon (approx 5 ml / 0.17 oz)
    Adds a subtle funky, nutty sweetness that balances the other ingredients.
  • Orange Bitters2 dashes
    Angostura or aromatic bitters can be substituted for a spicier profile.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need standard bar equipment for a stirred cocktail: a mixing glass, a jigger for measuring, a bar spoon for stirring with ice, and a strainer to pour the chilled liquid into the glass.
  • Mixing glass for stirring the ingredients
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accuracy
  • Bar spoon for stirring
  • Cocktail strainer (Julep or Hawthorne) for pouring

Instructions

The preparation is straightforward: chill your glass, combine all liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, and stir until cold. Strain into the chilled glass and garnish with an expressed orange peel.
1. Place your coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer to chill.
2. Add the Old Tom gin, fig-infused sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Stir gently with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds until the outside of the glass is frosty and the drink is well-chilled.
5. Strain the cocktail into your chilled serving glass.
6. Using a vegetable peeler or knife, cut a swath of orange peel. Squeeze it over the drink's surface to express the oils, then drop it into the glass as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple orange twist is the perfect garnish, adding a bright citrus aroma that cuts through the richness of the drink. Express the oils over the surface before dropping it in.
  • Orange twist, expressed over the drink to release its oils, then dropped in.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten, making it suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets. It is alcoholic and caffeine-free.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail is moderately caloric, with most of its calories coming from the alcohol and sugars in the vermouth and liqueurs. It contains a significant amount of sugar due to the fig infusion and liqueurs used.
Calories
Averagely 190-230 kcal / 795-962 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-16 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 12-15 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an ideal cocktail for sophisticated settings and cooler weather. It serves beautifully as an after-dinner digestif, a featured drink at an autumn cocktail party, or simply for a cozy evening at home.
  • After-dinner drink
  • Autumn gatherings
  • Cocktail party
  • Cozy night in

Pairing suggestions

The Fig Martinez pairs wonderfully with savory and rich foods that complement its sweet and herbal notes. Consider serving it with a cheese plate featuring sharp, salty cheeses, a selection of cured meats, or a simple dessert of dark chocolate or roasted nuts.
  • Blue cheese or aged cheddar
  • Charcuterie board
  • Dark chocolate
  • Roasted or candied nuts

The Fig Martinez: An Autumnal Classic Reimagined

The Fig Martinez is a testament to modern cocktail creativity, taking a revered classic and infusing it with seasonal character. It's a spirit-forward, complex sipper that balances the botanical bite of gin with the rich, jammy sweetness of fig and herbal vermouth. Ideal for those who appreciate a well-crafted, strong cocktail, it offers a warming and sophisticated experience perfect for autumn or winter evenings. It's a beautiful drink both in appearance and taste, showcasing how a simple addition can transform a classic into something new and memorable.

Similar Cocktails

Martinez

The original classic. Made with Old Tom gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters, but without the fig element.

Manhattan

Uses rye whiskey or bourbon instead of gin, creating a spicier, grain-forward profile.

Bobby Burns

A similar template using Scotch, sweet vermouth, and Bénédictine, offering a smoky and herbal alternative.

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