Meet the Wine Lover's Martini

This twist on a classic Martini comes from Joe Campanale, author, sommelier, and owner of Brooklyn wine bars Lalou, Fausto, and, most recently, Bar Vinazo. With a simple 1:1 ratio of gin, vermouth, and sherry, the Bar Vinazo martini is slightly salty and briny with every sip. It’s best when enjoyed on Bar Vinazo’s charming, ivy-lined backyard patio, but this recipe helps bring some of that magic home. —Oset Babür-Winter

Frequently asked questions

What is Manzanilla sherry?

Biologically aged sherries — finos and manzanillas — develop a layer of yeast called flor on the surface of the wine in the barrel. It looks sort of like ivory-colored cotton batting, anywhere from a thin film to a half-inch layer, and it’s what gives those sherries their distinctive, savory, pungent, briny, refreshing character. 

What is the best gin to use in a Martini?

Not every gin is right for every cocktail, and when making a simple Martini where you’ll really be able to taste all of the nuances of the base spirit, it’s worth buying the best bottle. Here’s our guide to the best gins for a Martini.

What are Piparra peppers?

Piparra peppers are chili peppers from the Basque region of Spain, and add a kick of heat and acidity to any dish, including this cocktail. We recommend the Matiz jarred Piparra peppers for this Martini. 

What is vermouth?

Vermouth is an aromatized, fortified wine flavored with various botanicals. Common botanicals found in vermouth include cinchona bark, wormwood, angelica root, orange peel, juniper, orris root, and star anise, though ingredients will vary from region to region depending on what's grown locally. The phrase fortified means that these wines are topped up with stronger alcohol — such as brandy or a neutral grain spirit — added to the wine to pause the fermentation process and preserve the product. Once you’ve started using vermouth in your cocktails, be sure to make a simple vermouth spritz, too!

What is a Nick & Nora glass?

Nick & Nora glasses are a versatile way to serve stirred cocktails other than a classic martini. While there is no shortage of “Nick & Nora”-style martini glasses now (the vintage style is making a comeback), this set from Riedel takes the cake. We appreciate the gently curved lip — similar in shape to a tulip glass — that makes this pick stand out.