The Martinez, and much more, on 14th Street

Awhile back I blogged about my friend Derek Brown's new bar The Gibson, a cool, dark and handsome spot in the District for those who favor to savor a carefully crafted drink from the cocktail's golden age. Recently I wrote a review about it for DC Magazine, along with info about drinks at some other hotspots in and around 14th Street. Check it out here.

One of the many extremely well-made drinks is his Martinez, a precursor to the Martini made with Old Tom Gin (sweeter than most gins), floral Maraschino liqueur, sweet vermouth and orange bitters, and garnished with a flamed orange peel. Watch Derek demonstrate how to make it on Washingtonian's After Hours Blog.

Here is the recipe--if you dig both Martinis and Manhattans, and find yourself at a bar torn between which one to order, try the Martinez. It nicely fits in the middle.

The Martinez

Courtesy of Derek Brown, the Gibson

1½ ounces Old Tom gin

1½ ounces Dolin sweet vermouth

1 teaspoon maraschino liqueur

2 dashes orange bitters

Add all ingredients to ice-filled cocktail shaker, and stir 50 times. Strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with a flamed orange peel