A great Martini is one of the classics of the cocktail canon for a reason: It’s clean, it’s balanced, and it showcases the character of its two key ingredients in particularly interesting ways.
Here are our top picks for every Martini lover should try:
KI NO BI Kyoto Dry Gin
Fascinating spice notes shine against lemon oils, verbena, and distinct tea flavors from the use of gyokuro tea, which is a shade-grown green tea, sourced from the Uji region of Japan. There is a nutty savoriness here, as well as a floral lift to the peppercorn that simmers through the finish. Note that the base of this gin is a rice spirit, making it even more unique.
Martin Miller’s Gin
Bracing and vividly piney, this gin amplifies the more nuanced botanicals in the vermouth while remaining true to its own character. It reminds me of a breath of fresh winter air first thing in the morning, and the interplay between juniper and spice amped up with citrus is especially excellent.
This gin will transport you to our coast at the height of summer. With its eternal blue sky, its characteristic scent of rosemary, basil and thyme, the sea breeze on your skin... Gin Mare is made using traditional techniques from the Mediterranean, through a delicate maceration and independent distillation which expresses all the characteristics of each botanical in the final product.
The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
Quietly sophisticated, this makes a surprisingly powerful Martini that remains elegant to the end. Notes of hay, dried pears, and woodsy juniper are assertive but balanced.
Nikka Coffey Gin
Exceptionally elegant and citrus-forward with lemon, verbena, and herb notes (possibly from the angelica) shining from start to finish. Four types of Japanese citrus are incorporated into the production process, as are apples and Sansho pepper. Something minty comes through on the end, and a chamomile character lends this Martini excellent freshness and lift.
Sipsmith London Dry Gin
With its historically accurate London Dry Gin recipe, this new classic makes for a savory, velvety Martini in which lemon oils, coriander seeds, and juniper shine, and are perfectly balanced by a subtle nuttiness from the ground almonds used in its production.
