San Martín Cocktail

The San Martín Cocktail is a classic Argentinian aperitif that beautifully marries the botanical notes of London Dry Gin with the rich sweetness of Italian vermouth. A small measure of Green Chartreuse adds a complex layer of herbal and medicinal flavors, creating a drink that is both strong and elegant. It's a spirit-forward cocktail perfect for those who appreciate a well-balanced, stirred drink with historical roots.
San Martín Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The San Martín is categorized as a classic, spirit-forward cocktail, often enjoyed as an aperitif. It belongs to the family of stirred drinks, similar in composition and preparation method to a Martinez or a Bijou.

Serving

Serve this spirit-forward cocktail well-chilled in a coupe or martini glass for an elegant presentation. Its alcohol content is significant, making it a proper strong sipper.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 30-35% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail is a tribute to General José de San Martín, a national hero of Argentina revered for his role in leading the country to independence. Created in the early 20th century, the drink was designed to be a national symbol in liquid form, embodying strength and sophistication. It has remained a beloved classic within Argentina, though it is less known internationally.
Origin
Argentina, believed to have been created in the early 20th century.

San Martín Cocktail

The cocktail is most commonly known as the San Martín Cocktail, though its Spanish name, Coctel San Martín, is also used, particularly in its home country of Argentina. The accent on the 'i' is often omitted in English-speaking regions.
Original name
Coctel San Martín
Alternative name
San Martin Cocktail

Characteristics overview

The San Martín offers a complex herbal and botanical flavor profile with a smooth, silky texture. It has a warming, clean aftertaste and is presented as a clear, pale gold liquid.
Flavor
Herbal, botanical, juniper-forward, slightly sweet, complex, bitter undertones
Aroma
Juniper, herbaceous, wine-like, botanical, complex
Taste balance
Spirit-forward, balanced sweetness and bitterness
Aftertaste
Long, warming, herbal, clean
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pale gold, clear, light amber
Texture
Smooth, silky, viscous
Seasonality
Year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a strong, spirit-forward cocktail with moderate sweetness and bitterness, low fruitiness, and no carbonation. Its flavor intensity is driven by the herbal botanicals of its ingredients.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need London Dry Gin as the base, complemented by Italian sweet vermouth and a dash of Green Chartreuse for herbal complexity. All three ingredients are essential for the classic flavor.
  • London Dry Gin60 ml / 2 oz
    A classic, juniper-forward London Dry Gin works best.
  • Sweet Vermouth22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Use a high-quality Italian-style sweet vermouth.
  • Green Chartreuse7.5 ml / 0.25 oz
    Adds immense herbal complexity. Do not substitute.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

Standard stirring equipment is required: a mixing glass, a bar spoon to stir the ingredients with ice, and a strainer to serve the drink neat.
  • Mixing glass for combining and chilling ingredients.
  • Bar spoon for stirring.
  • Julep strainer or Hawthorne strainer for pouring.

Instructions

The process involves chilling a coupe glass, stirring the gin, vermouth, and Chartreuse with ice in a mixing glass, and then straining the mixture into the prepared glass before garnishing.
1. Place your coupe or martini glass in the freezer to chill for at least 15 minutes.
2. Add the London Dry Gin, sweet vermouth, and Green Chartreuse to a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with fresh, cold ice cubes.
4. Stir briskly for 20-30 seconds until the outside of the mixing glass is well-chilled and frosted.
5. Using a julep or Hawthorne strainer, strain the cocktail into your chilled coupe glass.
6. Garnish by dropping a single maraschino cherry into the glass. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

A single maraschino cherry resting at the bottom of the glass is the traditional garnish. Alternatively, a lemon twist expressed over the surface provides a bright, citrus aroma.
  • Maraschino cherry, dropped into the bottom of the glass.
  • Lemon twist (optional alternative), expressed over the drink and 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 contains no caffeine.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains around 190 calories per serving, with most of the moderate carbohydrate and sugar content coming from the sweet vermouth and Green Chartreuse.
Calories
Approximately 180-200 kcal / 753-837 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 6-8 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 6-8 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is ideal as a pre-dinner aperitif to stimulate the appetite. It's also perfectly suited for sophisticated cocktail parties or a quiet evening enjoying a classic drink.
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Sophisticated Gatherings
  • Classic Cocktail Night

Pairing suggestions

The San Martín's herbal and spirit-forward character pairs well with savory and salty foods typical of an Argentinian 'picada'. Consider serving it with an assortment of olives, cured meats like prosciutto or salame, and firm, nutty cheeses.
  • Salty snacks like olives or nuts.
  • Cured meats and hard cheeses (Picada).
  • Savory empanadas.

San Martín Cocktail: An Argentinian Classic

The San Martín Cocktail is a distinguished and potent drink hailing from Argentina, offering a taste of the country's history and pride. Its blend of gin, sweet vermouth, and Green Chartreuse creates a wonderfully complex, herbal profile that is perfect for sipping as an aperitif. While not widely known outside of South America, it is a rewarding discovery for any enthusiast of classic, stirred cocktails and a worthy tribute to its namesake, General San Martín.

Similar Cocktails

Martinez

A precursor to the Martini, it typically uses Old Tom Gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters, resulting in a richer, sweeter profile.

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A Manhattan variation using rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and both Yellow and Green Chartreuse, offering a spicy, complex flavor profile.

Tipperary

Made with Irish whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Green Chartreuse. It's a whiskey-based cousin with a similar herbal complexity.

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