The Mysterious Marvelous Mythical Martinez Cocktail

Mysterious because there are more variations on this classic cocktail than I’ve seen for any other cocktail. It’s odd that this cocktail has no ‘definitive’ version, although it is alleged to be the precursor to the Martini.
Marvelous because it is very delicious in an aromatic way.
Mythical because every cocktail historian has another spin on how it came to be.
Martinez? I have yet to find a reference as to why it called a Martinez. Something about a guy in a bar named Martinez....?

Here is the Aroma Cucina house version:
2 oz gin (whatever we have in the cabinet)
1 oz sweet vermouth
1/4 oz Triple Sec
2 dash orange bitters
Stir.
Garnish with a flamed orange peel.

The Historical Version:
David Wondrich’s take on the Jerry Thomas version from 1887:
1 Dash Boker’s Bitters
2 Dashes (1t) Maraschino
1 Pony (1oz) Old Tom Gin
1 Wine Glass (2 oz) vermouth
2 lumps ice

Jerry Thomas says shake.  Wondrich says stir.

The Old School Confusing Versions:
"Mr. Boston, Platinum Edition", same book, 2 recipes
p.21                                              p. 78
1 oz gin                                         1 oz. gin
1 oz sweet vermouth                      1 oz dry vermouth
1 dash orange bitters                      1 dash orange bitters
Stir, garnish with a lemon twist        3/4 t Triple Sec
                                                      Stir, garnish with a cherry


"Old Man Drinks", Robert Schnakenberg
2 oz gin
1 oz sweet vermouth
1/4 oz Maraschino liqueur
Dash orange bitters
Shake

The Maestro’s Versions:
"Essential Cocktail", Dale DeGroff
1/2 glass gin (2 oz??)
1/2 wineglass Italian sweet vermouth (1 oz)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
2 dashes curacao
Stir

Agostino Perrone, 2010 Winner Best Bartender, Tales of the Cocktail
(An Italian, who works in London, wins in New Orleans)
Martini Rosso sweet vermouth
Genever Bolls Gin
Maraschino
Abbots Bitters
Stir

Balsamic Martinez from Perrone
(Bangin’ good)
Genever Bolls Gin
Sweet Vermouth
Maraschino
Galliano (!!!!??)
Dash true Balsamic vinegar
Dash Abbots bitters

If your are out and about in NYC, Odeon Restaurant in Tribeca makes an outstanding Martinez and if I ever get anyone to answer their phone, I hope they’ll share their recipe.