Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 1 oz White Creme De Menthe
- 3 mint
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- In a mixing glass half-filled with ice cubes, combine 2 oz of gin and 1 oz of white creme de menthe.
Stir Well:
- Stir the mixture well to combine and chill the ingredients.
Strain into Glass:
- Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with mint leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Mint Martini doesn’t have a grand origin story or a specific inventor. It’s a natural evolution, likely appearing in bars as bartenders experimented with infusing classic martini structures with new flavors. Think mid-to-late 20th century, a time when cocktail culture was expanding beyond the absolute basics, especially in American bars looking for fresh twists.
This drink firmly belongs to the Martini family, a simple spirit and liqueur combination. It’s a cousin to the Vodka Martini and the Gibson, but its use of creme de menthe sets it apart. While those rely on savory or spirit-forward notes, the Mint Martini leans into a distinct, sweet herbal freshness, a departure from the traditional dry profile.
You’d likely encounter a Mint Martini in a contemporary cocktail lounge or a hotel bar where they have a decent stock of liqueurs. It’s also a straightforward one to mix at home for a dinner party or a quiet evening. It’s not a dive bar special, nor is it a complex tiki creation; it’s a confident, well-balanced sip.
What it tastes like
On the first sip, the botanical punch of gin hits upfront, a clean juniper and citrus profile. This quickly gives way to the smooth, cooling sweetness of white creme de menthe, which carries through the mid-palate. The finish is long and refreshing, leaving a pleasant, lingering minty coolness that cleanses the palate without being overpowering or cloying.
With 2 ounces of 40% ABV gin and 1 ounce of 25% ABV creme de menthe, this drink clocks in around 35% alcohol by volume. That makes it a potent cocktail, roughly equivalent to one and a half standard spirit pours or about three average light beers. Sip it slowly; this isn’t a session drink.
The technique
Building a Mint Martini is straightforward. Combine your gin and creme de menthe in a mixing glass with plenty of fresh ice. Stir it thoroughly until the mixture is well chilled and properly diluted. You’re aiming for that frosty glass feel. Strain it into a pre-chilled cocktail glass, and then add your fresh mint garnish for aroma.
The most critical technique here is proper stirring. You need to ensure adequate dilution and chill without bruising the fresh mint if you choose to muddle. Stirring gently but consistently for about 30 seconds achieves that perfect balance, preventing a watery drink or one that’s too warm and harsh.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Gin
- Use
- A good quality London Dry gin works best here, like Tanqueray or Beefeater, offering a robust juniper backbone. Plymouth Gin is also a solid choice for a slightly softer profile.
- Skip
- Avoid highly floral or citrus-forward gins that might clash with the mint. Steer clear of Navy Strength unless you want a serious kick.
- Why
- Gin provides the essential botanical complexity and structure. It’s the sturdy frame for the mint’s fresh flavor, preventing the drink from becoming just a sweet mint concoction.
White Creme De Menthe
- Use
- Choose a clear, quality white creme de menthe such as Bols or Marie Brizard. These offer clean, sweet mint flavor without artificial notes.
- Skip
- Do not use green creme de menthe unless you want a vibrant green drink; the flavor is the same but the color will be off for a ‘Martini’ aesthetic. Also avoid mint liqueurs that are too sugary or syrupy.
- Why
- This ingredient delivers the signature mint flavor and sweetness, balancing the gin’s dryness and botanicals. It’s the key to making the drink a Mint Martini rather than just a gin martini with a mint garnish.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Vodka Mint Martini
- A smoother sip
- Swap the gin for vodka to let the mint shine with less botanical interference. It makes for a slightly softer, cleaner profile.
Muddled Mint Martini
- Fresh mint punch
- For an extra burst of fresh mint, gently muddle a few mint leaves in your mixing glass before adding ice and other ingredients. Just a light press to release oils.
Chocolate Mint Martini
- Dessert ready
- Introduce 0.5 oz of white creme de cacao to the mix for a sweet, after-dinner treat that plays on the classic mint chocolate combination.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Vodka is a straightforward swap if gin isn’t your preference or available. The drink will be less botanical but still refreshing.
A dash of peppermint schnapps with a touch of simple syrup can work in a pinch, though the flavor might be sharper and less nuanced.
A single drop of high-quality mint extract or a dash of mint bitters can provide an aromatic hint, but it won’t replace the fresh garnish.
A coupe glass or even a small, chilled rocks glass will serve the drink just fine. Just ensure it’s cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Mint Martini?
A Mint Martini contains gin, white creme de menthe, and is typically garnished with fresh mint leaves.
Is a Mint Martini sweet?
Yes, it has a noticeable sweetness from the creme de menthe, but it’s balanced by the dry, botanical notes of the gin. It’s not overly syrupy.
How strong is a Mint Martini?
It’s a fairly potent drink, around 35% ABV, making it stronger than a typical beer and about one and a half standard spirit servings. Sip responsibly.
What’s the difference between white and green creme de menthe?
The primary difference is color. White creme de menthe is clear, while green is colored. Their flavor profiles are generally identical, though some brands might have slight variations.
Can I use fresh mint instead of creme de menthe?
Not directly. While fresh mint is a great garnish, creme de menthe provides both the mint flavor and the sweetness needed to balance the gin. Using only fresh mint would result in a very different, less sweet drink.
What type of gin works best in a Mint Martini?
A classic London Dry gin with a strong juniper character, such as Beefeater or Tanqueray, generally works best to complement the mint without overpowering it.
Should I shake or stir a Mint Martini?
This is a spirit-forward cocktail, so it should always be stirred. Stirring provides proper chilling and dilution without adding air or cloudiness, preserving its smooth texture.
Is the Mint Martini considered a dessert drink?
While it has sweetness and a refreshing mint flavor, it’s not exclusively a dessert drink. It can be enjoyed before or after a meal, especially for those who appreciate a fresh, clean palate cleanser.
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