Mezcal Martinez

The Mezcal Martinez is a sophisticated and spirit-forward cocktail that swaps the traditional Old Tom gin of a classic Martinez for the earthy, smoky notes of mezcal. This substitution creates a drink with remarkable depth, balancing the smoky agave spirit with the rich sweetness of sweet vermouth and the complex botanicals of maraschino liqueur and bitters. It's a contemplative sipper, perfect for those who appreciate a bold twist on a historical classic.
Mezcal Martinez

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Mezcal Martinez is a spirit-forward cocktail, categorized as a modern twist on a classic. It falls into the family of stirred, aromatic cocktails, similar to its predecessor, the classic Martinez.

Serving

Serve this spirit-forward cocktail ice-cold in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. It's a relatively small but potent drink with an ABV around 25-30%.
Serving size
~90 ml / ~3 oz (pre-dilution)
Alcohol content
~25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Mezcal Martinez doesn't have a single documented origin story but emerged from the modern craft cocktail movement of the early 21st century. As bartenders began experimenting with mezcal's diverse flavor profile, it naturally found its way into classic templates. Replacing the gin in a Martinez was a logical and delicious step, creating a new experience that honors the structure of the original while showcasing the unique character of mezcal.
Origin
United States / International craft cocktail scene, circa 2010s. It's a modern adaptation of the classic Martinez, which dates back to the late 19th century.

Mezcal Martinez

The drink is primarily known as the Mezcal Martinez. Some may refer to it as a Smoky Martinez due to the characteristic smoky flavor of the mezcal that replaces the traditional gin.
Original name
Mezcal Martinez
Alternative name
Smoky Martinez

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a smoky and herbal aroma leading to a complex, bittersweet flavor profile with a silky texture. The aftertaste is long and warming, making it suitable for year-round sipping, especially in cooler months.
Flavor
smoky, herbal, sweet, complex, cherry, orange
Aroma
smoky agave, sweet herbs, citrus peel, faint cherry
Taste balance
bittersweet, smoky
Aftertaste
long, warming, smoky, herbal
Fizziness
still, none
Color appearance
amber, reddish-brown, clear
Texture
silky, smooth, viscous
Seasonality
year-round, autumn, winter

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely smoky and spirit-forward, balanced by moderate sweetness from the vermouth and a subtle bitterness. It is a strong, non-carbonated drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The recipe calls for equal parts mezcal and sweet vermouth, accented with a small amount of maraschino liqueur and a couple dashes of orange bitters.
  • Mezcal (Espadín)45 ml / 1.5 oz
    An unaged (joven) Espadín mezcal works well to balance smoke with approachability.
  • Sweet Vermouth45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A quality Italian or Spanish style vermouth is recommended, like Carpano Antica or Cocchi di Torino.
  • Maraschino Liqueur1 bar spoon (approx 5 ml / 0.17 oz)
    Use a quality brand like Luxardo or Maraska; it adds complexity, not just sweetness.
  • Orange Bitters2 dashes
    Angostura Orange or Regan's Orange Bitters work well.

Ice type

  • Cubed (for stirring), None (in glass)

Mixing equipments

You'll need a standard stirring set: a mixing glass, a bar spoon, a jigger for accurate measurements, and a strainer.
  • Mixing glass for stirring
  • Bar spoon for stirring
  • Jigger for measuring
  • Strainer (Julep or Hawthorne) for straining

Instructions

The method is straightforward: chill a glass, stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass, then strain into the chilled glass and garnish with an expressed orange peel.
1. Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Combine the mezcal, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters in a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with large, cold ice cubes.
4. Stir the mixture with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until well-chilled and properly diluted.
5. Discard the ice from your serving glass.
6. Strain the contents of the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
7. Take a fresh orange peel, hold it over the drink with the colored side facing down, and pinch it to express the citrus oils over the surface.
8. Drop the peel into the glass as a garnish and serve immediately.

Garnishing

The standard garnish is an orange peel; express its oils over the surface of the drink to add aromatic complexity before dropping it in.
  • Orange peel expressed over the drink and used as garnish

Dietary Information

This cocktail is typically vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free. Always check specific brands of vermouth or liqueurs for allergens if you have severe sensitivities.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains roughly 180-210 calories per serving, with most of the 10-12 grams of carbohydrates coming from the sweet vermouth and liqueur.
Calories
Averagely 180-210 kcal / 753-879 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 9-11 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is ideal for a sophisticated cocktail hour or as a contemplative evening sipper. Its complexity also makes it an excellent pre-dinner aperitif to stimulate the palate.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Evening Sipping
  • Pre-dinner Drink

Pairing suggestions

The smoky and bittersweet profile of the Mezcal Martinez pairs beautifully with savory and rich foods. Consider serving it alongside a charcuterie board with smoked cheeses, cured meats, or even with dark chocolate for a delightful contrast.
  • Smoked cheeses
  • Cured meats (charcuterie)
  • Dark chocolate
  • Grilled or barbecued dishes

Mezcal Martinez: A Smoky Twist on a Classic

The Mezcal Martinez is a bold and flavourful riff on the classic Martinez, perfect for lovers of agave spirits. By replacing gin with mezcal, the drink gains a wonderful smoky dimension that plays exceptionally well with the herbal sweetness of vermouth and the funk of maraschino liqueur. It's a balanced, spirit-forward sipper that is both modern and timeless, offering a complex yet satisfying experience. An excellent choice for an adventurous palate looking to explore variations on classic cocktails.

Similar Cocktails

Martinez

The original classic, made with Old Tom Gin or London Dry Gin instead of mezcal.

Oaxaca Old Fashioned

Another popular mezcal-based classic riff. It combines tequila and mezcal with agave nectar and bitters, served on the rocks.

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