Marianito

2 1⁄2 oz Vermouth Rojo (Basque vermouth preferred)

1⁄2 oz Gin, Beefeater

1⁄2 oz Yuzu juice

Instructions

Build in the glass with plenty of ice, stir until cold, garnish with a green olive and an orange slice.

History

The Marianito, aka Vermut Preparado, is the infinitely malleable stalwart of evening aperitivo time from San Sebastián to Milan. This recipe, from Punchdrink, calls for Pomelo juice, but I subbed Yuzo - and I’ve also had it without any citrus. Feel free to try different vermouths, amari, and spirits.

Cocktail summary

Created by

Fernández Marchante | Bilbao, Spain

Is of

unknown authenticity

Reference

https://punchdrink.com/recipes/marianito/

Curator

Not yet rated

Average

4 stars

(1 rating)

Cocktail Book

From other users

A simpler version is 2 vermouth/.5 gin/.5 Campari, with an orange zest and olive garnish - from https://www.foodandwine.com/vermouth-preparado-marianito-recipe-8710014 A tasty, low ABV sip.

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Comments

I am not sure what to make of this since the Marianito recipe hasn't been standardized in Spain--different places have their own spin (https://punchdrink.com/articles/marianito-bilbao-cocktail-recipe/). The constants are sweet vermouth, gin, and Campari, with about half the recipes including Angostura bitters.

Since this recipe has been posted as the main one (not a variant) the juice should probably be stricken from the ingredient list or listed as optional/leaving it only as a variation in the notes. Yuzu in particular should not be in the main ingredient list since the recipes I see with juice call for pomelo or orange. Note that a few recipes call for a small amount of Curacao and no juice.

Unfortunately, the Punch recipe seems to be a bartender's own variation using pomelo juice. Many/most Marianito recipes don't have citrus juice, just an orange peel and olive garnish or similar (e.g. an orange slice.) Punch actually lists Cinzano vermouth, but a Spanish rojo vermouth is normal.

Yes, indeed, Shawn is right - that’s why I noted the recipe is “infinitely malleable,” and that it’s frequently made without citrus. All that said, Kindred Cocktails needed a Marianito recipe up here to spark this vital cultural conversation! (By the way, Txurrut is a fabulous Basque vermouth!)