Flatiron Martini

The Flatiron Martini is a sophisticated and refreshing cocktail that perfectly balances the botanical notes of gin with the unique, aromatic citrus flavor of yuzu. Created by renowned mixologist Julie Reiner, it's a testament to the modern cocktail renaissance, offering a crisp and clean profile. It's essentially a gin sour, but the use of yuzu liqueur instead of a more common orange liqueur elevates it to something special and memorable.
Flatiron Martini

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Flatiron Martini is categorized as a modern classic cocktail. It emerged in the early 2000s during the craft cocktail revival, updating the 'sour' template with a unique citrus liqueur.

Serving

Served straight up in a chilled cocktail or coupe glass, this is a cold, crisp drink with a moderate alcohol content. No ice is served in the glass.
Serving size
Approx. 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
Approx. 25-28% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Cocktail glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail was created in the early 2000s by mixologist Julie Reiner for the menu of her now-legendary New York City bar, the Flatiron Lounge. It quickly became a signature drink, beloved for its simple yet exquisite flavor profile that showcased the then-novel taste of yuzu to a wider audience.
Origin
New York City, USA, Early 2000s

Flatiron Martini

The drink is almost exclusively known as the Flatiron Martini, named after the iconic lounge where it was created. It is sometimes shortened to Flatiron Cocktail to distinguish it from a traditional vermouth-based martini.
Original name
Flatiron Martini
Alternative name
Flatiron Cocktail

Characteristics overview

Expect a vibrant aroma of fresh lemon and exotic yuzu, leading to a smooth, citrus-driven flavor profile. The taste is a beautiful balance of tart and sweet, finishing clean and crisp.
Flavor
Citrusy, Bright, Herbal, Lightly Sweet, Tart
Aroma
Lemon, Yuzu, Botanical, Floral
Taste balance
Balanced, Sweet-Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Crisp, Citrus
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pale Yellow, Hazy, Translucent
Texture
Smooth, Silky, Light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season, Summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink has a noticeable sour and fruity character from the citrus, with a moderate sweetness and alcohol presence. It is a still drink with a bright, intense flavor profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core ingredients are a quality London Dry Gin, a distinctive Yuzu liqueur, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The interplay between these three simple components creates the cocktail's signature flavor.
  • London Dry Gin60 ml / 2 oz
    A classic, juniper-forward London Dry Gin works best to complement the citrus.
  • Yuzu Liqueur22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    This is the key ingredient. Look for a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice7.5 ml / 0.25 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential for the bright, tart flavor.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You'll need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker, jigger for measuring, and both Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainers for a smooth, ice-free texture.
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Fine-mesh strainer (for double straining)
  • Hawthorne strainer

Instructions

The method is straightforward: chill your glass, combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake vigorously until well-chilled, and double strain into the prepared glass. Garnish and serve immediately.
1. Chill your cocktail or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
2. Add the gin, yuzu liqueur, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is well-frosted.
5. Double strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
6. Take a fresh lemon peel, twist it over the drink's surface to express the oils, and use it as a garnish.
7. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish, expressed over the drink's surface to release its aromatic oils. This enhances the cocktail's bright citrus aroma.
  • Lemon twist - Express the oils from a lemon peel over the surface of the drink before dropping it in or placing it on the rim.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally caffeine-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan. To ensure it is gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free gin and yuzu liqueur, as most distilled spirits are considered safe.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a moderately caloric cocktail, with its calories primarily coming from the alcohol and the sugar in the yuzu liqueur. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and sugar compared to more juice-heavy drinks.
Calories
Approx. 180-200 kcal / 753-837 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approx. 9 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approx. 8 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This versatile cocktail is perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif to awaken the palate. It is also an excellent choice for cocktail parties, social gatherings, or simply as a sophisticated evening drink.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Aperitif
  • Evening Drink
  • Happy Hour

Pairing suggestions

The cocktail's bright, citrusy character makes it an excellent companion for light and fresh foods. It pairs wonderfully with seafood, especially sushi and oysters, as well as light appetizers and salads.
  • Seafood
  • Light appetizers
  • Sushi and Sashimi
  • Oysters

The Flatiron Martini: A Taste of New York's Modern Cocktail Renaissance

The Flatiron Martini is a shining example of modern classic cocktail creation, balancing simplicity with sophisticated flavor. Created by Julie Reiner, it introduced many to the aromatic charm of yuzu in a perfectly constructed gin sour format. Its refreshing, crisp, and elegant nature makes it a timeless choice for any cocktail enthusiast. A true icon from the New York cocktail revival scene.

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