Kim Laidlaw

Classic: The Montana Martini

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Preparation info
  • Makes

    1

    Drink
    • Difficulty

      Easy

Appears in
Spirits of '76: Celebrating 250 Years with Cocktails from Every State
Spirits of '76

By Kim Laidlaw

Published 2026

  • About

A tribute to Harry Johnson’s 1900 Montana cocktail, the Montana martini preserves its sloe gin and dry vermouth core while streamlining ingredients. Anisette gives way to absinthe, Boker’s bitters to orange, and a citrus twist brightens the finish. It’s a crisp, aromatic revival of a nearly forgotten classic.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces sloe gin
  • 1 ounce dry vermouth
  • Dash of absinthe

Method

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the sloe gin, vermouth, absinthe, and orange bitters. Cover and shake vigorously until chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with the orange twist and serve.