Nicolas Torres, bar director of True Laurel, joins the podcast to discuss the Martinez cocktail. Learn about its history and ingredients, including old Tom gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino, and orange bitters. Discover how the Martinez inspired a popular drink at True Laurel. Explore the world of coconut-washed rye and pine-flavored cocktails. Delve into the characteristics of Spanish vermouth. Discuss the charm of San Francisco's dive bars and favorite cocktails. Farewell and sponsors mentioned.
The Martinez is a classic cocktail with a rich history and a strong connection to the West Coast.
Patience is an undervalued tool in a bartender's arsenal, allowing for a better experience and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Being attentive and aware of your surroundings as a bartender is crucial for providing excellent service and creating a positive and memorable bar experience.
Deep dives
The Martinez: Exploring a West Coast Classic Cocktail
The Martinez is a classic cocktail that has a rich history and a strong connection to the West Coast. It is believed to have been invented in the Bay Area, specifically in San Francisco, during the time of the gold rush. One theory suggests that it was originally created for a guest traveling to a town called Martinez, named after Ignacio Martinez, a former mayor of San Francisco. The drink typically consists of old Tom gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters. Over time, different variations and interpretations of the Martinez have emerged, with some using London dry gin instead of old Tom gin, and different ratios of ingredients. One interesting twist on the Martinez is called "In the Pines Under the Palms," which combines new world gin with a fat-washed coconut rye whiskey and highlights flavors of pine and coconut. Overall, the Martinez is a versatile and delicious cocktail that is worth exploring and enjoying.
The Importance of Patience in Bartending
Patience is an undervalued tool in a bartender's arsenal. In a busy and demanding environment, it is important to remain patient with both guests and the overall service. Patience allows bartenders to provide a better experience for their guests and create a welcoming atmosphere. By being patient, bartenders can better understand the needs of their guests, ensure their satisfaction, and maintain a positive and professional attitude. Patience is essential for effective communication, efficient service, and creating a memorable bar experience.
Know What Your Door Sounds Like: Being Attentive as a Bartender
Being attentive and aware of your surroundings as a bartender is crucial for providing excellent service. This includes knowing what the door sounds like, which signifies the arrival of new guests. This attention to detail enables bartenders to greet guests promptly, make them feel welcome, and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. By anticipating the needs of guests, whether it's a timely drink order or simply being present and attentive to their requests, bartenders can create a positive and memorable bar experience for everyone.
The Royal Cuckoo: A San Francisco Dive Bar Gem
The Royal Cuckoo is a dive bar gem in San Francisco that offers a unique and inviting atmosphere. Known for its dimly lit space, red lighting, and live jazz music played on an organ, the Royal Cuckoo provides a cozy and intimate setting for enjoying a drink. The bar serves classic cocktails like the Manhattan and the Martinez, along with a range of other drinks. It is a neighborhood bar that embodies the rich culture of San Francisco, showcasing the city's love for both dive bars and music. Visiting the Royal Cuckoo is a great way to experience the genuine and welcoming spirit of San Francisco's bar scene.
A Last Drink: The Timeless Appeal of the Manhattan
If faced with the prospect of having one last drink, the Manhattan would be a fitting choice. The Manhattan is a classic cocktail that never goes out of style and has a timeless appeal. It is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed in various variations, whether it's a traditional two-to-one ratio or a modern twist with different ratios or ingredients. With its combination of whiskey or rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters, the Manhattan offers a balanced and flavorful experience. It is a drink that brings joy and satisfaction to many, making it a perfect choice for a final cocktail.
A bonafide West Coast classic — one whose history is pretty agreed upon — the Martinez holds a very important place in cocktail history, as many believe it to be the bridge between the Manhattan and the Martini. But it’s so much more than that, and a drink deserving of a standalone episode. So here we are! Joining us is San Francisco local Nicolas Torres, the bar director of True Laurel. The Martinez is a drink Nico’s made countless times in its classic guise throughout his 15+ year career. It also offered the inspiration for one of the most popular proprietary drinks at True Laurel — one that’s been on the menu since day one. Listen on (or read below) to discover both of those recipes — and don’t forget to like, review and subscribe!
Nicolas Torres’ Martinez Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ ounces Old Tom gin
- ¾ ounce sweet vermouth, ideally French
- ¼ ounce (scant) Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
- 1 dash orange bitters
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Garnish: orange twist
Directions
1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir until chilled.
3. Strain into a petite coupe glass.
4. Garnish with orange twist.
In the Pines, Under the Palms Recipe (simplified)
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce coconut-washed rye
- ¾ ounce St. George Terroir gin
- ¾ ounce sweet vermouth
- ¼ ounce (scant) Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Garnish: pine tips, Arak
Directions
1. Mist a rocks glass with Arak.
2. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice.
3. Stir until chilled.
4. Strain into misted rocks glass over one large cube of ice.