Magazine
Two classics. Two philosophies. One defining ingredient. Together with FBS Flair Bartender’s School, we explore how Vermouth shapes the character of two of the world’s most famous cocktails.
Vermouth and the great classics… why do the Martinez and the Martini remain two defining cocktails in the history of mixology?
Few cocktails demonstrate the versatility of Vermouth quite like the Martinez and the Martini.
At first glance, they appear to be close relatives—and in many ways, they are. They share part of the same DNA, yet they express two completely different philosophies of cocktail making. The Martinez belongs to the nineteenth century. Rich, layered and generous, it celebrates Vermouth as a leading ingredient, allowing its sweetness, aromatic complexity and texture to take centre stage.
The Martini Cocktail, by contrast, embraces restraint. With Dry Vermouth playing a far subtler role, every ingredient must work in perfect harmony to achieve the precision and elegance for which the drink is celebrated.
Despite their differences, both cocktails prove the same fundamental point: Vermouth is never simply an accompaniment. It is one of the defining elements that shapes the identity, balance and personality of the drink.
Let’s start with the Martinez—a cocktail that helped shape the future of classic mixology. Diego, tell us its story.
The Martinez is widely regarded as one of the earliest ancestors of the Martini Cocktail.
It emerged during the second half of the nineteenth century, when cocktail culture was still taking shape and many of the classics we know today were beginning to evolve. As with many historic recipes, several versions exist, but the cocktail’s foundation remains remarkably consistent: gin, sweet Vermouth, maraschino liqueur and bitters. That combination reveals a great deal about the era in which the Martinez was created. It belongs to a style of drinking that favoured richness, aromatic depth and layered flavours over the drier, more minimalist profile that would later define the Martini Cocktail. Here, Sweet Vermouth doesn’t sit quietly in the background. It forms the very heart of the drink, bringing body, warmth and a velvety texture that complements the botanicals of the gin. The maraschino liqueur contributes delicate floral and nutty nuances, while the bitters provide the structure that keeps every flavour perfectly in balance. The result is a cocktail that feels generous without being heavy, refined without ever becoming austere. Most importantly, the Martinez reminds us that Vermouth is never a neutral ingredient. Choose an ordinary Vermouth and the cocktail immediately loses its depth, elegance and aromatic definition. What should feel beautifully composed becomes simply assembled—a subtle but unmistakable difference that highlights the decisive role Vermouth plays in classic mixology.
The Martini Cocktail is often described as the ultimate expression of elegance through simplicity. What do you mean by that?
With the arrival of the Martini Cocktail, everything changes. Tastes evolve, cocktail culture matures and the very definition of elegance in a glass takes on a new meaning. If the Martinez is built through addition, the Martini achieves its character through restraint. Every unnecessary element is stripped away, leaving a composition that appears simple. Yet few cocktails demand greater precision. Because when a drink contains so few ingredients, every decision matters. Gin and Dry Vermouth. Sometimes a dash of orange bitters, sometimes not. An olive or a lemon twist, depending on tradition, personal preference or the bartender’s interpretation. What never changes is the relationship between the two principal ingredients. The Martini has never been—and should never be regarded as—nothing more than chilled gin. It’s a carefully judged dialogue between gin and Vermouth, where each ingredient enhances the other without ever competing for attention. Over the decades, that dialogue has evolved. There have been periods when Vermouth played a far more prominent role, with richer ratios that produced cocktails of remarkable aromatic complexity. Later came the era of the ultra-dry Martini, where Vermouth was gradually reduced to little more than a whisper. While that minimalist approach undoubtedly contributed to the Martini’s enduring mystique, it also gave rise to one of the most persistent misconceptions in cocktail culture: the idea that Vermouth is almost optional. Nothing could be further from the truth. Dry Vermouth doesn’t dilute the gin—it refines it. It softens its edges, enhances its botanical profile and gives the cocktail its unmistakable balance and elegance. Only a small measure is required, but that measure is precisely what transforms a chilled spirit into a true Martini. A well-made Martini offers a remarkable sense of precision. Clean, focused and beautifully composed, it delivers an aromatic clarity that never feels austere or empty. That refinement is born from the interaction between the botanicals of the gin and those of the Vermouth—a balance that can only be achieved when both ingredients are given equal respect. For that reason, the Martini remains one of the ultimate tests of a bartender’s skill. Its apparent simplicity demands absolute precision. Temperature, dilution, proportions and ingredient quality all play a crucial role. In a Martini, even the smallest detail can influence the final result. The choice of Vermouth is therefore every bit as important as the choice of gin.
A well-crafted Dry Vermouth brings definition, finesse and aromatic precision. It performs its role with quiet confidence, never dominating the cocktail, yet leaving an unmistakable signature that experienced drinkers recognise from the very first sip—even if they can’t always explain exactly why.
About FBS Flair Bartender’s School
Diego Tarantino is the Founder & Trainer of FBS Flair Bartender’s School, a professional bartender training academy based in Rome. Established in 1997, FBS has trained thousands of bartenders, combining practical education with in-depth product knowledge and a strong connection to the beverage industry. The academy combines classroom learning with practical bar experience, helping bartenders develop the technical skills and confidence required in professional hospitality.
https://www.f-b-s.it/