Astoria Martini Cocktail Recipe

The Astoria Martini is a timeless pre-Prohibition cocktail that captures the elegance and balance of early American mixology. Originating in the early 20th century and closely associated with New York City’s iconic Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, the Astoria reflects a period when Martinis were aromatic, refined, and deliberately restrained. Unlike the modern dry Martini, this historic recipe treats gin and dry vermouth as equal partners, enhanced with a subtle dash of orange bitters. The result is a smooth, herbaceous, and wine-forward cocktail that embodies the sophistication of grand hotel bars before Prohibition. Today, the Astoria Martini stands as an essential reference point for understanding the origins and evolution of one of the world’s most influential cocktails.

The Astoria Martini is a refined, pre-Prohibition cocktail that reflects the elegance of early 20th-century American hotel bar culture. Named after the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, the drink dates to the early 1900s, when the Martini was still a balanced, aromatic cocktail rather than the ultra-dry style popular today.

Visit the Fossil Coast Drinks Shop

During this era, gin and vermouth were treated as equal partners. The Astoria Martini follows this tradition, typically combining equal parts London dry gin and dry vermouth, finished with a dash of orange bitters. This structure places the Astoria firmly within the historical evolution of the Martini, alongside classics like the Martinez and early Dry Martini variations.

The Waldorf-Astoria was a major influencer of American cocktail standards before Prohibition, and drinks associated with the hotel emphasized sophistication, moderation, and complexity. Orange bitters—common in 19th-century cocktails—add subtle citrus spice and reinforce the drink’s historical roots.

Flavour-wise, the Astoria Martini is herbaceous, smooth, and wine-forward, with vermouth playing a leading role. It is lighter and more nuanced than modern gin-heavy Martinis, making it ideal for slow sipping and culinary pairings. Today, the Astoria Martini has seen a revival among craft cocktail enthusiasts and historians seeking authentic pre-Prohibition recipes. Its simplicity, balance, and historical pedigree make it an essential cocktail for anyone interested in classic mixology or the origins of the Martini itself.

Astoria Martini

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 oz of dry vermouth

• 3/4 oz London dry gin

• 2 dashes of orange bitters

• Use an olive as garnish

Assembly

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a coupe and garnish with olive.