The Sour Cherry Martinez cocktail is a classic precursor to the Martini, with foggy Bay Area origins. It seems that legend can't decide whether this 19th-century cocktail was created by bartender Jerry Thomas at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco, or by bartender Richelieu at a saloon in Martinez, California.  Since then, the recipe has passed through many bartenders with various recorded changes, but the herbal and sweet Luxardo Maraschino Originale - as well as the ease in which the cocktail is made - has remained consistent throughout.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz. Luxardo Sour Cherry Gin
1/4 oz. Luxardo Maraschino Originale Liqueur
1 1/2 oz. Silvio Carta Mazzini Rosso Vermouth
2 dashes of bitters
Luxardo Maraschino Cherries for garnish
Orange peel for garnish

Directions:

Add Luxardo Sour Cherry Gin, Luxardo Maraschino Originale, Mazzini Rosso, and two dashes of bitters to a glass with ice — then stir.

Strain the cocktail into another chilled glass. Garnish the cocktail with an orange peel twist and a Luxardo Maraschino Cherry and serve.