The Puritan Cocktail, a martini variation, is a spirit-forward classic

About this recipe

This variation on the martini cocktail dates back to the end of the 19th century when dry gin was making an impact on American cocktail culture.

The Puritan usually calls for orange bitters, but here lemon thyme bitters bring an herbaceous, slightly savory edge that lets the gin shine.

You can swap out yellow Chartreuse for the much boozier and more herbaceous Chartreuse, but you will need to increase the dry vermouth to 3/4 ounce.

Ingredients

1 3/4 to 2 ounces dry gin, such as Beefeater, or herbaceous gin, such as St. George Botanivore

1/2 ounce dry vermouth

1/4 ounce yellow Chartreuse

Dash lemon thyme bitters

Ice cubes

Sprig of lemon thyme, for garnish

Instructions

Chill a small coupe or Nick and Nora glass. Combine the gin, vermouth, Chartreuse and bitters in a mixing glass. Add ice cubes to fill the glass and stir the drink until cold. Strain the drink into the chilled glass.

Spank the sprig of lemon thyme by placing the herb on the palm of one hand and quickly smacking it with the other to release the essential oils. Garnish cocktail with the thyme sprig. Serve immediately.