Martini 1888

Adapted by Sebastian Hamilton-Mudge, Global Brand Ambassador, Plymouth Gin

The first written recording of the Martini comes four years after the Martinez’s first appearance, in barman Harry Johnson’s New and Improved Bartender’s Manual. That recipe asks a reader to fill a “large bar glass” with ice, 2 to 3 dashes of gum syrup and bitters (“Boker’s genuine only”), along with Curaçao, vermouth, and Old Tom gin. This interpretation from Sebastian Hamilton-Mudge tries to do justice to Johnson’s recipe using modern ingredients. Most notably, he utilizes corenwyn, a grainy, barrel-aged genever that balances the prominent sugar notes and helps approximate how this drink may have tasted back in the day.

Ingredients

Serving: 1

  • 6 parts red vermouth, preferably Martini Rosso Vermouth
  • 6 parts red vermouth, preferably Martini Rosso Vermouth
  • 2 parts gin, preferably Plymouth Gin
  • 2 parts gin, preferably Plymouth Gin
  • 2 parts corenwyn
  • 2 parts corenwyn
  • 1 part sugar syrup (see Editor's Note)
  • 1 part sugar syrup (see Editor's Note)
  • 7/20 part gum syrup (see Editor's Note)
  • 7/20 part gum syrup (see Editor's Note)
  • 7/20 part orange Curaçao, preferably Pierre Ferrand Dry Orange Curaçao
  • 7/20 part orange Curaçao, preferably Pierre Ferrand Dry Orange Curaçao

Garnish: twist of lemon

Directions
  1. Stir the liquid ingredients together in a mixing glass with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  2. Garnish with the twist of lemon.
Editor's Note

Sugar Syrup
2 parts sugar
1 part water

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, mix together the sugar and water, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. The syrup can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.

Gum Syrup
1 part food-grade gum arabic
2 parts near-boiling water
8 parts sugar
4 parts water

In a bowl, stir together the gum arabic and the near-boiling water. Let dissolve and thicken for at least 2 hours. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, mix together the sugar and water and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Add the gum arabic mixture and boil for 2 minutes. Strain the syrup through a cheesecloth-lined funnel into a heatproof bottle, and then cap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Tagged: Plymouth Gin