Equal parts gin and vermouth define the Addison, a pared-down cocktail in the martini lineage that lets each component speak clearly. Shaken and strained into a chilled glass, the drink relies on the balance between the gin's botanicals and the herbal complexity of the vermouth, with neither ingredient masking the other. Its alcohol content sits near 22 percent by volume. The simplicity is deliberate: with only two ingredients in even proportion, the cocktail reads as dry and aromatic, a classic-style preparation that rewards the quality of what goes into it.
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Addison
Ingredientes
Instrucciones
Shake together all the ingredients and strain into a cold glass.
El Addison es un cóctel minimalista de gin-vermut en la tradición del martini, combinando partes iguales de gin y vermut para una bebida equilibrada y centrada en el espirituoso a 22.23% ABV. Su simplicidad permite que el carácter botánico del gin y la complejidad herbácea del vermut se expresen plenamente. Servido en copa de martini.
History & Origins
The Addison is a variation on the classic 50/50 Martini formula, a style that pre-dates the ultra-dry martini and reflects drinking preferences from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its origin is disputed, though equal-parts gin and vermouth cocktails were standard in pre-Prohibition American and British bar manuals. The name suggests a person's name cocktail, a common naming convention of the classic cocktail era.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Pronounced juniper and botanicals from the gin, layered with the herbaceous and slightly sweet notes of the vermouth. Palate: Balanced and medium-bodied; the gin's character is moderated by the vermouth's wine-like depth, creating a drink that is neither overly dry nor sweet. Finish: Clean, medium-length, with a pleasantly bitter botanical fade.
Pro Tip
Stir rather than shake to maintain the drink's clarity and silky texture, and serve in a well-chilled martini glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in the Addison cocktail?
The Addison is a simple equal-parts cocktail combining gin and dry vermouth, producing approximately 22.23% ABV. This two-ingredient formula is structurally similar to a very dry Martini, though the equal ratio gives vermouth a more prominent role than in modern Martini preparation.
How does the Addison differ from a classic Martini?
While both the Addison and the Martini combine gin and vermouth, the Addison uses an equal 1:1 ratio compared to the modern Martini's typical 5:1 or even higher gin-to-vermouth ratio. The result is a more vermouth-forward, slightly lower-proof drink with a more herbal, wine-like character.
Is the Addison cocktail stirred or shaken?
The Addison, like most gin-and-vermouth combinations, is best stirred with ice to achieve proper dilution and chilling without the cloudiness that shaking introduces. Stirring preserves the clarity of the drink and produces a silky, integrated texture appropriate for spirit-forward cocktails.
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