Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:0.5g
Alcohol %:22
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The Smokey Martini is a modern twist on the classic Martini, which dates back to the late 19th century. This variation is believed to have been created in the early 2000s, as bartenders began experimenting with different flavors and techniques to elevate the traditional Martini. The Smokey Martini is especially popular among fans of peaty, smoky Scotch whiskies and those who enjoy a more complex, robust cocktail experience.
The Smokey Martini has a bold, complex flavor profile, with a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly bitter notes. The smokiness from the Scotch whisky is the star of the show, while the dry vermouth adds a subtle herbal undertone. The olive brine brings a touch of saltiness, enhancing the overall depth and richness of the cocktail.
2 oz of peaty Scotch whisky add a pronounced smoky flavor that truly defines the character of a Smokey Martini. Cutting back on the Scotch will make the cocktail less bold, whereas too much may overpower the other flavors. If peaty Scotch isn't your cup of tea—or should I say, dram of whisky—a lighter single malt or blended Scotch could be used, but then you'd have to call it just a 'Hint of Smoke' Martini.
0.5 oz of dry vermouth brings a touch of herbal complexity and balances out the strong peaty flavor. Less vermouth makes for a really whisky-forward drink, more and it might turn into a vermouth-tasting session! No vermouth at all and you've lost the 'Martini' aspect altogether. If you're feeling adventurous, try a different brand or style of vermouth to tweak the botanicals.
0.25 oz might not sound like much, but olive brine is the secret agent here – it adds that salty, briny quality that plays so well with the smoky Scotch. If omitted, you'll miss out on complexity and that savory undertone. Add too much and you'll be fishing in salty waters. Swapping brine for something like a dash of saline solution could work, but then the olive flavor takes a backseat.
The lone green olive is more than a garnish; it's a visual cue and a final, edible touch of saltiness and texture. No olive? The drink will still be sophisticated, but you’ll miss out on the full experience. Try swapping it with a cocktail onion for a 'Smokey Gibson', if olives aren't your thing.
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
Explore all drinks starting with S here
Replace the olive with a cocktail onion to create a classic variation known as the Smokey Gibson. This swap brings a slightly sweeter, tangier element while still complementing the smokiness of the cocktail.
Use a particularly peaty Islay Scotch for an intense smoky flavor. Complement this with a rinse of an Islay Scotch in the glass before pouring the cocktail to amplify the smokiness.
Add a 0.25 oz of maple syrup to enhance the cocktail's sweetness and give it a richer mouthfeel. Substitute the olive for a slice of crispy bacon to create a breakfast-inspired variant that's both smoky and slightly sweet.
Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
The term 'martini' is believed to have originated from the Martini & Rossi brand of vermouth, which was popular in the late 19th century.
Shaking a cocktail typically makes it colder and more diluted than stirring. It also helps to mix the ingredients thoroughly and quickly. Stirring, on the other hand, is usually preferred for spirit-forward cocktails as it results in a smoother and less cloudy drink.
Choosing a good Scotch whisky depends largely on personal preference. However, for a Smokey Martini, a peaty Scotch from the Islay region of Scotland is typically preferred due to its smoky flavour. Choose a Scotch that you'd enjoy drinking neat, as the flavour will shine through in the cocktail.
Scotch whisky should be stored upright in a cool, dark place. Make sure the bottle is securely closed to prevent any air from getting in.
While a green olive is the classic garnish, you can play around with other options such as a twist of lemon peel, a sprig of fresh herbs or even a cocktail onion.
Alcohol-free versions of the Smokey Martini can be made using non-alcoholic substitutes for whisky and vermouth. However, the signature smoky flavour may be difficult to replicate.
The Oaxacan Old Fashioned is a complex, smoky, and slightly sweet cocktail with a rich, velvety texture. The mezcal provides an earthy, smoky backbone, while the agave syrup adds a touch of sweetness and the Angostura bitters bring a subtle bitterness to balance the flavors.
The Oaxaca cocktail is a complex and well-balanced drink with a smoky, sweet, and slightly bitter taste. It has a rich and velvety texture, with a hint of spice and a lingering warmth.
The Polar Bear is a cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It's strong, with the mezcal providing a smoky base, while the vermouth adds a touch of sweetness. The creme de menthe gives it a refreshing minty taste, and the angelica tincture or celery bitters add a hint of bitterness. It's a cocktail that's both refreshing and warming, perfect for a cold winter's night.
The Bonfire cocktail has a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy taste. It is a well-balanced drink with a hint of warmth and a smooth finish.
The Burnt Martini has a bold, smoky flavor with a subtle hint of citrus. It is a strong, dry cocktail with a smooth, velvety texture and a slightly bitter aftertaste.
The Hellfire cocktail is a spicy, smoky, and intense drink with a hint of sweetness. The heat from the chili peppers is balanced by the smokiness of the mezcal and the sweetness of the agave syrup, creating a complex and intriguing flavor profile.
The Gibson cocktail is crisp, clean, and slightly savory, with a strong gin-forward flavor. The dry vermouth adds a subtle herbal and floral note, while the cocktail onions provide a briny, tangy contrast.
The Rose cocktail has a delicate and floral taste, with a hint of sweetness from the raspberry syrup. It is light and refreshing, with a subtle complexity from the combination of vermouth and cherry brandy. The finish is crisp and clean, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.
The Tuxedo cocktail is a complex and balanced drink with a slightly sweet, herbal, and citrusy flavor profile. It has a smooth and silky texture, with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth and a warming, slightly spicy finish from the gin.
The Apple Martini has a sweet and sour taste, with a crisp and refreshing apple flavor. It is well-balanced, with a slight tartness from the apple and a smooth, velvety finish from the vodka.
The Vesper Martini has a strong, bold, and slightly bitter taste with a smooth, silky finish. The combination of gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc creates a complex, well-balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and invigorating.
The Lemon Drop Martini has a bright, zesty, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of lemon juice and simple syrup creates a perfect balance of sour and sweet, while the vodka adds a smooth and strong kick. The sugar rim adds an extra touch of sweetness to each sip.
The Rusty Nail is a smooth, sweet, and slightly spicy cocktail with a strong, warming whiskey backbone. The honey and herbal notes from the Drambuie complement the smoky, peaty flavors of the Scotch.
The Penicillin cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, spicy, and smoky flavors. The honey and lemon provide a bright, refreshing sweetness, while the ginger adds a warm, spicy kick. The blended Scotch whisky gives the drink a smooth, rich base, and the Islay Scotch lends a distinct smoky, peaty finish.
The Blood and Sand cocktail has a well-balanced, rich, and complex flavor profile. It is both sweet and sour, with a hint of smokiness from the Scotch whisky. The orange juice adds a refreshing citrus note, while the sweet vermouth and cherry liqueur provide a smooth, velvety sweetness.
The Bloody Mary is a savory, spicy, and tangy cocktail with a strong tomato flavor. The vodka adds a subtle kick, while the Worcestershire and hot sauce provide a complex depth of flavor. The lemon juice adds a touch of acidity, and the celery salt and black pepper give it a slight earthiness.
The Michelada has a unique, tangy taste that combines the flavors of beer, lime, and spices. It is savory, slightly spicy, and has a hint of saltiness. The overall taste is refreshing and invigorating.
The Prairie Oyster cocktail is a savory, rich, and slightly spicy drink with a unique texture. The combination of the raw egg yolk, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce creates a velvety and bold flavor profile that is both satisfying and invigorating.
