Poet's Dream
A sophisticated, herbal martini variation with Bénédictine.
Base spirit
Gin
Style
Spirit-forward
Glassware
Nick and nora glass
Technique
Stir
The Poet's Dream is an elegant riff on the Dry Martini that swaps a portion of the vermouth for Bénédictine. This introduces honey, herbs, and spices to the juniper base, creating a drink that is aromatic and contemplative. Unlike the Alaska, it retains the dry vermouth, keeping the profile closer to a fortified wine cocktail than a liqueur drink. It is a smooth, spirit-forward sipper.
Did you know?
“The drink won a cocktail competition in London in 1935, capturing the romanticism of the pre-war era.”
Source:Café Royal Cocktail Book (1937)
Bartender's Note
Express the lemon oils over the drink to brighten the heavy herbal notes of the Bénédictine.
Missing a bottle? See smart swaps in Learn.
How to make the Poet's Dream
- 1Add gin, dry vermouth, Bénédictine, and orange bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice
- 2Stir until well chilled
- 3Strain into a Nick and Nora glass
- 4Garnish with lemon twist and serve
