The reverse Martini and Manhattan—an ounce of booze to two ounces of vermouth instead of the conventional reverse—are not new ideas. In fact, long before Prohibition, proto-Martinis such as the Martinez were typically one-to-one booze-to-vermouth mixes. There’s a much longer story to be told about how America’s “greatest generation” messed up vermouth for half a century, but for now I’ll just say that health-conscious drinkers are encouraging the revival of pre-Prohibition proportions. 

Credit to liquor.com for this recipe, which is on the sweet side due to the Dolin Blanc but is very enjoyable either before or after dinner.

Dolin Blanc Vermouth de Chambery, the sweeter sibling to Dolin’s popular dry vermouth, originated in the Chambery region of France in the early 19th Century. Based on the Ugni Blanc grape—the same variety that dominates Cognac—Dolin Blanc provides a sweetly floral and very helpful complement to strongly flavored gins in a Martini. In this drink, with vodka there just to stiffen the alcoholic backbone, it’s the dominant flavor; one could as well omit the vodka and just add the maraschino touches to flavor it. Gin lovers, trust me on this: It’s great with gin, too.

STARLIGHT REVERSE MARTINI

1¾ oz Dolin Blanc Vermouth de Chambery

1 oz Vodka of choice (or gin!)

1 barspoon Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

Stir ingredients with ice in a mixing glass until well chilled. Strain into a chilled Martini glass or coupe, and garnish with a speared Luxardo Maraschino Cherry or brandied cherry.