Turf Club
A dry, sophisticated martini riff with maraschino and absinthe.
Base spirit
Gin
Style
Spirit-forward
Glassware
Nick and nora glass
The Turf Club is an Old School martini variation that dates back to the 1880s. It modifies the gin and dry vermouth base with small measures of maraschino liqueur, absinthe, and orange bitters. These additions dry out the drink further while adding nutty and anise notes, creating a profile that is much more complex than a standard Dry Martini. It is the definition of a 'bartender's martini'.
Ingredients
Servings
- • 2 oz gin
- • 1 oz dry vermouth
- • 0.25 oz maraschino liqueur
- • 2 dashes absinthe
- • 2 dashes orange bitters
Did you know?
“Named after the famous Turf Club gentlemen's society in New York, a hub for horse racing enthusiasts and drinkers in the Gilded Age.”
Source:George Winter, 1884; Wondrich
Bartender's Note
The 'Turf Club' name was used for several different recipes; the 1884 version with maraschino and absinthe is the most enduring.
How to make the Turf Club
- 1Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice
- 2Stir until very cold
- 3Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass
- 4Garnish with a lemon twist
