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Discussing English Martini

Difford's Guide · 2023-05-09T09:51:50+00:00

Rosemary and sweet elderflower combine wonderfully with the gin botanicals to make an interesting and approachable, if slightly sweet 'Martini'

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Eric Stainbrook

15th July 2022 at 03:28

This drink is one of my absolute favorites-- a go to. However, I prefer different proportions. I mix a 5:1 ratio, usually 2.5 oz. gin, .5 oz elderflower. Basically, I'm treating the liqueur as a vermouth stand-in. I also generally Stir rather than Shake. The gin really carries this, with the herbal and floral notes giving it a bright pop and roundness. Not too sweet.

Frederic D.

27th June 2022 at 00:29

I didn't especially care for this one. Maybe I should have used a different gin (I had some Tanqueray to finish), or added lime juice per the suggestion below. As it was, it just read as slightly sweet pine, and not in a pleasant way.

Simon Difford

27th June 2022 at 12:59

Sounds like Hendrick's floral notes work well with the elderflower. Happy you've found a harmonious gin.

Frederic D.

27th June 2022 at 12:02

Update: remade this with Hendrick's and enjoyed it a lot more. I think sweetness was less an issue for me the first time than how Tanqueray just loudly overpowered the more delicate flavors of the Saint Germain and rosemary. The change of base spirit corrected that.

Dan Casselman

18th June 2022 at 01:49

Sorry! Too much Elderflower. Drop it in half. But I guess that is like the "how much Vermouth in a Martini" discussion. Might try Sally's suggestion and add some Lime for Acid. (It's no longer a Martini but a Cocktail though)

Bert Schouterden

17th December 2023 at 17:47

I added just 1 cl of lime juice and 1 dash of orange bitters, to balance out the sweetness of the Saint- Germain I used and that worked out splendid !