Burnt Martini Cocktail Recipe

The Burnt Martini is a smoky twist on the classic martini, which dates back to the early 20th century. It is said to have been created by bartenders who wanted to add a unique flavor profile to the traditional martini by using a burnt orange peel garnish. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a smoky, sophisticated drink with a hint of citrus.

The Burnt Martini has a bold, smoky flavor with a subtle hint of citrus. It is a strong, dry cocktail with a smooth, velvety texture and a slightly bitter aftertaste.

• The Burnt Martini is a variation of the classic martini, which is one of the most iconic cocktails in history.
• The burnt orange peel garnish adds a smoky, citrusy aroma and flavor to the drink.
• This cocktail is often enjoyed by those who appreciate a more complex, sophisticated flavor profile.

1. Chill a martini glass by filling it with ice and water, then set it aside.
2. In a mixing glass, combine the gin, dry vermouth, and orange bitters.
3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the ingredients until well-chilled.
4. Discard the ice and water from the martini glass.
5. Strain the cocktail into the chilled martini glass.
6. Hold a piece of orange peel over the glass and use a lighter or match to carefully ignite the oils from the peel, creating a burnt orange aroma and flavor.
7. Garnish the cocktail with the burnt orange peel.

• Chilling the Glass: This is an important step as it helps to keep the cocktail cold for a longer period of time.
• Burning the Orange Peel: Be careful while doing this step. The oils from the orange peel should just lightly touch the flame. Do not let the peel catch fire.
• Stirring the Cocktail: Stir the cocktail gently. Do not shake it as it can dilute the cocktail.

Seafood

• Especially oysters or shellfish, as their briny flavors contrast nicely with the botanicals in the gin.

Cheese Plates

• A platter of mild cheeses (such as goat cheese or brie) could be a good pairing, allowing the cocktail to shine without overwhelming the senses.

Savory Appetizers

• Blinis with smoked salmon, or small canapés made with fine cucumber and cream cheese complement the aromatic complexity of the Burnt Martini.

• Gin: You can substitute gin with vodka for a different flavor profile.
• Dry Vermouth: If you don't have dry vermouth, you can use sweet vermouth but it will make the cocktail sweeter.
• Orange Bitters: If you don't have orange bitters, you can use Angostura bitters but it will change the flavor profile.
• Burnt Orange Peel: If you don't have an orange, you can use a lemon peel but it will give a different aroma and flavor.

Smoky Martini

Replace the gin with a smoky mezcal to create a profound smoky flavor. Keep the orange bitters and vermouth for balance. This will transport you from a classic London club to a vibrant fiesta in Oaxaca.

Spicy Martini

Add a couple of slices of jalapeño to the shaker before mixing. It will infuse the cocktail with a spicy kick, perfect for those who like to add a bit of heat to their sips.

Sweet Martini

Swap out the dry vermouth for a sweet vermouth and add a small dash of simple syrup. This will provide a sweeter, more dessert-like profile to the martini, catering to those with a sweet tooth.