Given its name, the Upside Down Martini cocktail should probably belong in Netflix’s cult sci-fi series Stranger Things. In the parallel universe of a Reverse Martini, there are no monsters, and the upside-down simply refers to the double vermouth-to-gin ratio, turning a classic Martini on its head. Our divine Reverse Martini recipe also calls for a dash of orange bitters, and those in search of an aperitif or amaro will love this smooth-sipping cocktail.
Reverse Martini
PREP TIME 5 min
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Fill a large glass or jug halfway with ice and pour over all the ingredients
02
2.
Stir until chilled and then strain into a chilled cocktail or coupe glass and garnish with lemon peel
What are Reverse Cocktails?
The flipping and reversing trend definitely doesn’t just belong to Missy Elliot, it goes way back to the 1800s when bartenders started switching things up, swapping the ratios of spirits to create a smoother sipping and lighter cocktail. Vermouth-based cocktails favour the flip of more vermouth as it tips them to the sweeter and more delicate side.
The best Reverse Martini recipe
While the classic Martini and Reverse Martini differ in the ratio of the ingredients, the method is the same and oh-so-easy. Simply stir the ingredients over ice before straining into a suitably chilled coupé or cocktail glass. We’ll park the shaken or stirred convo for another day – for now, we’re leaning on the aficionados’ opinion, who insist stirred, not shaken.
The deliciousness of this cocktail relies heavily on the quality of the vermouth, being that it’s the dominant ingredient. Trust us, invest in a top-shelf bottle that’s extra dry, like Cinzano 1757 Extra Dry with its crisp and herby dry wine notes. You’ll also need a dry gin, such as Bulldog London Dry Gin, with its classic juniper base layered with the unique taste of poppy seeds and Chinese lychee. This unusual local distilled gin, inspired by Sir Winston Churchill, is definitely one to try!
Notes and tips for making the best Reverse recipe
For the perfect sip:
- A chilled glass is non-negotiable, so put your martini glass in the freezer to chill before serving.
- Twist the lemon peel over the glass to release the oils, and drop straight into your Martini.
- Although Vermouth is fortified, it’s like wine and starts to oxidise after opening, so keep it fresh and chilled in the fridge and be sure to drink it all within 3 months.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A Dirty Martini is one with an extra-savoury twist from the addition olive brine, giving it a different taste profile to an extra dry Martini. The opposite of these gin-heavy martinis is the Reverse Martini, which is often referred to as a Wet Martini as it has more dry vermouth and tastes much sweeter.
The term straight up is as it sounds, a drink served just as it comes and not on the rocks. The Martini will be made to the classic recipe, chilled over ice, either shaken or stirred and then strained into a glass without ice.
