When I began researching all the martinis for this series, I almost overlooked the Sweet Martini. I prefer my cocktails on the dry, bitter end of the flavour spectrum and thought that this martini was not for me.
However, as I’m progressing through the 30 martinis for 30 days exercise, I’m learning to appreciate that different styles of martinis really do work with your mood or the time of day. Dry martinis are an excellent choice after a long day and lift my spirits like no other cocktail can. However, rather like a negroni, which I like after a meal or at the end of an evening out, the Sweet Martini has a place.
I decided to use, Artemis, a new Australian gin from Seb and Derv Reaburn (full review to follow). I cheated a little in my choice of vermouth, using Punt e Mes as it has a a little bitterness and the two complemented each other well to create a well-balanced drink with the just the right amount of sweetness.
Ingredients for a Sweet Martini
Maraschino cherry for garnish
Place ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice and stir for 45-50 seconds until chilled. Double strain into a cold cocktail glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
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Sweet Martini | How to make the Cocktail
What is a sweet martini?
The Sweet Martini which is also sometimes referred to as the Sweet Vermouth Martini dates back to the late 19th century and is one of the earliest of cocktails. Since the early part of 20th century, the drink is often called the Gin and It. The drink takes its name from one of the ingredients, which is the sweet vermouth.
How do you make a sweet martini?
The choice gives the sweet martini a signature orange-red hue, similar to that of a Manhattan. It’s a beloved martini well worth trying a sip– or four. Chill a martini glass or coupe. In a mixing glass, add ice, gin, and sweet vermouth. Stir rapidly to chill. Strain into chilled glass. Garnish with orange peel.
Is a sweet martini better than a dry martini?
What is certain is that if you are a dry Martini fan, you are in store for something quite different here. Where a traditional Martini is simple and clean, the Sweet Martini has the slight spice and herbal flavors inherent in sweet vermouth. Of course, it is notably sweeter, too.
Should a martini be iced?
“Stirring a Martini over high-quality, crystal-clear ice conveys a silky texture that truly elevates the cocktail,” says Perrone. A Martini is a drink best served frigid. “The chill is the basis of the cocktail,” says DeGroff. “If you’re doing a classic Martini, it must be icy cold.”