Stirred Martinez with Maraschino and Old Tom Gin
An elegant precursor to the martini, this stirred cocktail blends Old Tom gin with sweet vermouth and maraschino liqueur for a balanced, aromatic sip. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together Old Tom gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Old Tom gin
- 1 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
- 1/4 oz maraschino liqueur
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- as needed large ice cubes
- 1 for garnish lemon twist
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass halfway with large ice cubes.
- Step 2: Pour in 1 1/2 oz Old Tom gin, 1 1/2 oz sweet vermouth, 1/4 oz maraschino liqueur, and add 2 dashes of orange bitters.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled but not overly diluted.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
- Step 5: Express a lemon twist over the surface to release oils, then rim the glass with it and drop it in as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stirred Martinez with Maraschino and Old Tom Gin take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Stirred Martinez with Maraschino and Old Tom Gin?
Refrigerate any leftover stirred martinez with maraschino and old tom gin in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stirred Martinez with Maraschino and Old Tom Gin?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Stirred Martinez with Maraschino and Old Tom Gin for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Stirred Martinez with Maraschino and Old Tom Gin?
Cocktails & Drinks cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.