Absinthe Martini

The Absinthe Martini is a bold, herbal twist on a classic dry martini. It pairs the botanical notes of gin with the slight anise flavor of absinthe, balanced by a splash of dry vermouth and a dash of orange bitters. This drink leans crisp and aromatic, with just enough absinthe to be noticeable without taking over. A orange peel gives it a bright finish. It’s best served cold and sipped slowly ideal for evenings when you want something strong, clean, and layered.

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Tasting Notes

This Absinthe Martini is crisp, botanical, and bold. The absinthe adds a strong herbal note think anise and fennel with a sharp edge that gives the drink its character. Dry vermouth and gin balance it out with clean, dry flavors and a smooth finish. The orange bitters bring a small citrus lift, and the lemon twist adds brightness right at the end. It’s aromatic, layered, and not too sweet. Each sip starts dry and refreshing, then settles into the deeper herbal taste of the absinthe. It’s a serious drink, best when you’re in the mood for something strong and sharp.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a mixing glass, bar spoon, jigger, and a strainer. A channel knife or peeler will help get a nice lemon twist. Use a chilled martini glass or coupe to keep the drink cold and crisp. No shaking required here this one’s stirred, not shaken. If your mixing glass is metal or thick glass, chilling it first helps the drink stay colder longer. You can use a fine mesh strainer if you want a super clean pour, especially when handling spirits like absinthe.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz gin
• 0.25 oz dry vermouth
• 0.25 oz absinthe
• 1 dash orange bitters
• Orange peel, for garnish

Instructions

• Add gin, dry vermouth, absinthe, and orange bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
• Stir for about 20–30 seconds until well chilled.
• Strain into a chilled martini.
• Add orange peel over the drink for garnish.

Pro Tips

• Stir, don’t shake, to preserve clarity and texture.
• Use fresh lemon peel, not bottled twist.
• Choose a dry, crisp gin not overly floral.
• Rinse the glass with absinthe if you want a lighter touch.
• Chill the glass before pouring for better temperature.
• Use a bar spoon to stir slowly no need to rush.
• Keep vermouth refrigerated after opening.
• Start with less absinthe if you’re not used to the flavor.

When to Serve

This Absinthe Martini drink fits best at the end of the day or during an evening cocktail hour. It’s bold, refined, and better suited for sipping slowly than for casual chugging. Serve it when you want something strong and distinctive whether you’re winding down or starting the night with something that stands out. It’s also great as a dinner party aperitif. The aroma alone gets people’s attention, and it can easily be the centerpiece of a smaller cocktail list.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Gin:

• Tanqueray (classic and dry)
• Beefeater (crisp and balanced)
• Plymouth (smooth and less juniper-heavy)

Dry Vermouth:

• Dolin Dry (light and fresh)
• Noilly Prat (classic and sharp)

Absinthe:

• St. George Absinthe Verte
• Lucid Absinthe
• Pernod (widely available and smooth)

Similar Cocktails

• Rat Pack Martini
• 50/50 Martini
• Watermelon Negroni
• Hibiscus Strawberry Gin Collins 
• Frozen Negroni