Cocktail
Turf Club
How to make a Turf Club cocktail - the elegant forerunner of the Martini made from gin, dry vermouth, absinthe and orange bitters. A dry classic.
5 minPrep time
mediumDifficulty
CoupeGlass
1Serving(s)
The Turf Club is an elegant forerunner of the modern Martini: gin and dry vermouth in equal parts, refined with a hint of absinthe and orange bitters. A dry, spiced classic that reflects the bar history of the late 19th century.
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
- Add gin, dry vermouth, absinthe and orange bitters.
- Stir cold for about 20 to 30 seconds.
- Strain into a pre-chilled coupe.
- Express a lemon zest over the glass and drop it in as a garnish.
Garnish: Lemon zest
Pro tip: Use the absinthe very sparingly - even a single dash is enough to give the drink its characteristic anise note.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Turf Club differ from the Martini?
The Turf Club resembles a dry Martini, but a dash of absinthe and orange bitters make it more aromatically complex and spiced.
Do I have to use real absinthe?
A good pastis or Pernod works as a substitute, but the typical character comes out best with real absinthe.
How old is the Turf Club?
The cocktail is one of the early Martini forerunners and was already being served in American bars at the end of the 19th century.
Ingredients
- Gin4.5 cl
- Dry vermouth (Vermouth Dry)4.5 cl
- Absinthe1 dash
- Orange bitters2 dashes
- Lemon zest1 piece
- Ice cubesas needed
