Smoky Martini recipe
A dry gin Martini with a measured touch of peated Scotch for smoke, citrus, and a clean finish.
Method: Stir ·
Glass: Chilled Coupe ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: The Martini Family
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 oz London Dry Gin
- 3/4 oz Dry Vermouth
- 1/4 oz Peated Scotch Whisky (or use as a glass rinse)
How to make a Smoky Martini
- Chill a coupe or Nick and Nora glass until frosty.
- Add gin, dry vermouth, and peated Scotch to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir steadily for about 25 seconds until very cold.
- Strain into the chilled glass.
- Express a lemon twist over the surface and discard it or place it neatly on the rim.
Garnish
Expressed lemon twist.
Pro tip
Start with a lighter peated Scotch or use it only as a rinse; a small amount gives the Martini smoke without turning it into a whisky drink.
History of the Smoky Martini
The Smoky Martini is a modern variation rather than one fixed historic formula. It works because the dry botanical frame of a Martini can carry a trace of peat in the same way it carries orange bitters or lemon oil.
Flavour profile
Dry, Smoky, Botanical, Citrus
Variations
- Rinsed Smoky Martini — Rinse the chilled glass with peated Scotch, discard the excess, then pour in a standard Dry Martini.
- Vermouth-Forward Smoky Martini — Use equal parts gin and dry vermouth, then rinse with Scotch for a softer aperitif serve.
- Olive Smoky Martini — Use a single olive instead of lemon for a more savory profile.
Practise making the Smoky Martini in the free Virtual Bar game.