Ingredients
- 1 Shot(s) Sweet Vermouth
- 1 Shot(s) Dry Vermouth
- 3/4 Shot(s) Gin
- 1 Dash(s) Bitters
Instructions
Mix Ingredients:
- In a mixing glass half-filled with ice cubes, pour 1 shot of sweet vermouth, 1 shot of dry vermouth, 3/4 shot of gin, and 1 dash of bitters.
Stir Well:
- Stir the mixture well to combine the flavors and chill the drink.
Strain into Glass:
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish as desired (a twist of lemon or an olive works well), and serve the Farthingale cocktail immediately.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The name “Farthingale” refers to a historical hoop skirt popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. This suggests the drink might be a modern creation with a vintage sensibility, or an obscure classic that adopted a whimsical name. It certainly isn’t a common pre-Prohibition standard, so its exact origins are likely lost to time or a specific bartender’s invention.
This cocktail is firmly in the Martini family, specifically a variation on the Perfect Martini, which also uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth. It’s a close cousin to a Martinez, though the gin to vermouth ratio here is different, and it lacks the orange liqueur. It distinguishes itself by being notably more vermouth-forward than a standard Dry Martini, offering a softer, more aromatic profile.
You’d typically find the Farthingale in a serious cocktail bar that prides itself on deep cuts and classic variations. It’s a drink for sipping slowly before dinner or as a sophisticated nightcap. It’s not a party starter, but a conversation piece for those who know their way around a cocktail menu and appreciate a well-balanced, spirit-forward option.
What it tastes like
The Farthingale hits with a complex botanical gin note up front, quickly smoothed out by the rich, slightly spiced sweetness of the sweet vermouth. The dry vermouth provides a crisp, herbal counterpoint in the mid-palate, preventing it from becoming cloying. The finish is clean, with a lingering botanical presence and a hint of bitter spice from the dashes.
Assuming a standard 1.5 oz shot and typical ABV for spirits, this drink comes in around 21% ABV. This makes it significantly stronger than a typical beer, which usually sits between 4-6%. While it’s on the lighter side for a spirit-forward cocktail like a traditional Martini or an Old Fashioned, which often hit 25-30% or more, it’s still potent enough to require respect and slow sipping.
The technique
This is a stirred drink, served up. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with plenty of ice. Stir until thoroughly chilled and slightly diluted, about 20 to 30 seconds. Strain the mixture into a pre-chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive, and serve it immediately.
The most critical technique here is proper stirring and chilling. An under-chilled Farthingale will taste too sharp and boozy, lacking the smooth, integrated flavor. Stir until the outside of your mixing glass is frosty to the touch. This ensures adequate dilution and a pleasant drinking temperature, making all the flavors sing.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Sweet Vermouth
- Use
- Dolin Rouge, Carpano Antica Formula, or Martini & Rossi Rosso are solid choices. Look for quality, rich, slightly spicy vermouths that you would enjoy sipping on their own. They typically have an ABV around 16%.
- Skip
- Anything you wouldn’t drink on its own. Avoid cheap, oxidized bottles that have been open too long. Vermouth is wine based and goes bad.
- Why
- It provides the foundational sweetness, body, and aromatic complexity, balancing the gin and dry vermouth. It’s not just a sweetener, but a key flavor component.
Dry Vermouth
- Use
- Dolin Dry, Noilly Prat Original Dry, or Martini & Rossi Extra Dry. Choose a fresh bottle, as dry vermouth also spoils once opened.
- Skip
- Again, avoid old, oxidized bottles. It’s not just for cooking; it’s a critical flavor agent in this drink.
- Why
- It brings the crisp, herbal, and slightly bitter notes that give the drink its sophisticated edge and prevent it from being overly sweet. It’s essential for balance.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Perfect Martini
- A classic template for vermouth balance.
- Uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, but typically with a higher gin or vodka ratio than the Farthingale, making it more spirit-forward.
Martinez
- A sweeter, gin-based predecessor to the Martini.
- Combines gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters. It’s a richer, often sweeter drink that highlights Old Tom gin.
Fifty-Fifty Martini
- Equal parts spirit and vermouth.
- This variation uses equal parts gin and dry vermouth, often with a dash of orange bitters, making it a dryer, gin-forward cocktail with a softer edge than a very dry Martini.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try a small splash of port wine with a touch of simple syrup, but expect a different character and less herbal complexity.
A small amount of Lillet Blanc can work in a pinch, but it will be fruitier and less herbal than dry vermouth.
Vodka will make a very different, much blander drink. If you want to experiment, an Old Tom gin will offer a slightly sweeter, richer profile.
A small coupe or even a chilled rocks glass without ice will do the trick. Just ensure it’s properly chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Farthingale?
The Farthingale cocktail contains sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, gin, and a dash of bitters.
Is the Farthingale a strong drink?
It’s moderately strong, around 21% ABV, making it comparable to a strong wine or a lighter spirit-forward cocktail.
What kind of gin should I use for a Farthingale?
A good London Dry gin with a balanced botanical profile works best, allowing the vermouths to shine without overpowering them.
Do I need to chill my glass?
Yes, chilling the glass helps keep the drink cold for longer and prevents premature dilution, maintaining the intended flavor profile.
What’s the best garnish for a Farthingale?
A lemon twist or an olive are classic choices that complement the botanical and herbal flavors of the drink.
Can I make a Farthingale ahead of time?
No, it’s best made fresh and served immediately to ensure proper chilling and dilution, which are crucial for its taste and texture.
What’s the difference between a Farthingale and a Martini?
A Farthingale uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth with a lower gin ratio, making it more vermouth-forward and complex than a typical Martini.
What does “Farthingale” mean?
A farthingale was a hoop skirt worn under dresses in the 16th and 17th centuries, giving the drink a historical, perhaps whimsical, name.
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