Instructions
Mix:
- In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine 2.5 oz brandy and 0.5 oz red port. Stir gently to chill and mix the ingredients.
Strain:
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish:
- Garnish with a flamed orange peel to add a smoky, citrusy aroma that enhances the drink’s rich flavors.
Serve:
- Enjoy your Cigar Lovers Martini immediately, pairing it with your favorite cigar for a truly luxurious experience.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This drink is a modern creation, likely developed in a high-end bar or by a discerning home bartender with a specific purpose in mind: complementing a fine cigar. It doesn’t have a long, storied history like a Manhattan, but rather fills a niche for a rich, after-dinner sipper. It speaks to a particular kind of indulgence, pairing two classic vices.
The Cigar Lovers Martini sits in the family of spirit-forward stirred cocktails, much like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan, though it uses brandy as its base instead of whiskey. What separates it is the use of red port as the primary modifier, lending a distinct sweetness and fruitiness that sets it apart from vermouth-based drinks.
You’d typically find this drink in an upscale lounge, a private club, or perhaps a well-appointed home bar. It’s the kind of drink you order when you’re settling in for the evening, not when you’re looking for a quick round. Think leather armchairs and quiet conversation, not a bustling happy hour.
What it tastes like
Expect a rich, warm entry from the brandy, with notes of dried fruit, oak, and a hint of spice. The red port adds a layer of dark berry sweetness and a velvety texture in the mid-palate, rounding out the spirit’s edges. The finish is long and smooth, leaving a lingering warmth and a subtle, aromatic citrus note from the flamed orange peel.
This is a potent drink. With 2.5 oz of 40% ABV brandy and 0.5 oz of 20% ABV red port, you’re looking at roughly 1.1 ounces of pure alcohol in a 3 oz drink. That puts its ABV around 37%. To put that in perspective, a standard beer is about 5% ABV, and many cocktails hover around 20-25%. This drink packs a significant punch, so sip it slow.
The technique
Building this drink is straightforward: combine your brandy and red port in a mixing glass filled with ice. Give it a good, consistent stir until it’s properly chilled and slightly diluted. Then, strain that mixture into a pre-chilled martini glass. The final touch is the flamed orange peel, which adds an aromatic flourish, not just a visual one.
The most crucial step here is proper stirring. You need to chill and dilute the spirits sufficiently without overdoing it. Under-stirred, the drink will be harsh and too warm; over-stirred, it becomes watery and loses its punch. Aim for a consistent, slow stir until the glass is well frosted, indicating optimal chill and dilution.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Brandy
- Use
- A good VSOP or XO brandy, or even a decent Cognac or Armagnac. Brands like Hennessy VSOP, Remy Martin VSOP, or even a solid American brandy like E&J XO will work. Aim for something 40% ABV or higher.
- Skip
- Cheap, bottom-shelf ‘brandy’ that’s more about quantity than quality. It will taste harsh and thin, ruining the drink’s intended richness. Also, avoid flavored brandies.
- Why
- Brandy forms the backbone of this cocktail, providing its warmth, complexity, and primary spirit character. Its fruity, oak-aged notes are essential for the drink’s sophisticated profile.
Red Port
- Use
- A good quality Ruby Port or a younger Vintage Port. Brands like Graham’s, Taylor Fladgate, or Dow’s offer reliable options. The richer and fruitier, the better.
- Skip
- Tawny Port, while delicious, has a nuttier, more oxidized flavor profile that won’t provide the same dark fruit richness intended here. Also, avoid white port.
- Why
- Red Port is the key modifier, adding a layer of deep, dark fruit sweetness, a velvety texture, and a unique complexity that complements the brandy without overpowering it. It’s what makes the drink a ‘Cigar Lovers Martini’ and not just a brandy sipper.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Cognac & Tawny
- A nuttier, more oxidized take
- Swap the brandy for Cognac and use a good Tawny Port instead of red. This will give the drink a drier, more nutty character with hints of caramel and fig.
Bitter Lovers
- Add some depth with bitters
- Introduce a dash or two of Angostura bitters or even chocolate bitters. This will add another layer of complexity and a subtle spice, cutting through some of the sweetness.
Smoked Martini
- A literal smoky touch
- Before straining, briefly smoke the martini glass with a smoking gun using wood chips like cherry or oak. This adds an actual smoky aroma that further enhances the cigar pairing.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Cognac or Armagnac are excellent direct swaps. A high-quality aged rum could work in a pinch for a different but still rich flavor profile.
A rich, sweet vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula or a Pedro Ximénez sherry could offer a similar sweetness and depth, though the flavor profile will shift.
A coupe glass or even a small rocks glass will serve the drink just fine. The key is a stemmed glass to keep it chilled.
A simple orange twist will still provide a citrus aroma. You can also express the oils from the peel over the drink without flaming it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Cigar Lovers Martini?
The Cigar Lovers Martini contains 2.5 oz of brandy and 0.5 oz of red port, garnished with a flamed orange peel.
Is the Cigar Lovers Martini a strong drink?
Yes, it’s a very spirit-forward drink with an ABV of around 37%, making it significantly stronger than most beers or standard cocktails.
What kind of cigar pairs best with this martini?
A medium-bodied cigar with notes of cedar, leather, or dark chocolate will complement the drink’s richness without overpowering it. Avoid overly light or extremely heavy cigars.
Should the Cigar Lovers Martini be served chilled?
Absolutely. This drink is meant to be stirred with ice and served in a chilled martini glass to ensure optimal temperature and dilution.
Can I make a batch of Cigar Lovers Martini ahead of time?
You can pre-batch the brandy and port mixture and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, pour over ice, stir to chill and dilute, then strain and garnish.
What’s the difference between brandy and Cognac?
Cognac is a specific type of brandy produced in the Cognac region of France, made from specific grape varietals. All Cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is Cognac.
Why is it called ‘Cigar Lovers Martini’ if it’s not a true Martini?
The ‘Martini’ in the name refers to the serving glass and the spirit-forward, stirred nature of the drink, not its ingredient list. It’s a common naming convention for strong, elegant cocktails.
What’s the purpose of the flamed orange peel?
Flaming the orange peel releases and caramelizes the citrus oils, adding a complex, slightly smoky, and intensely aromatic garnish that enhances the drink’s overall sensory experience.
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