Paisley Martini – Gin, Dry Vermouth and Scotch Cocktail

The Paisley Martini is a dry gin cocktail with a small measure of Scotch. Gin provides the botanical backbone, dry vermouth adds herbal wine notes, and the whisky contributes a faint malt-and-smoke finish.

Scotch as Seasoning

A teaspoon of Scotch is enough to change the drink without taking it over. The Martini stays gin-led, but the whisky adds a warmer, slightly smoky edge that becomes more noticeable after the first sip.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Gin – provides the botanical base.
• Dry vermouth – adds herbal wine character.
• Scotch – contributes malt, oak, and a touch of smoke.
• Lemon twist – brightens the aroma.

A lightly smoky blended Scotch is the easiest fit. A heavily peated whisky will make the Scotch much more dominant.

Equipment

Use a mixing glass, bar spoon, jigger, strainer, and chilled cocktail glass.

Choosing the Scotch

A restrained whisky works best because it should sit behind the gin, not replace it. Soft malt and light smoke integrate more naturally than an intensely peated style.

Substitutions & Variations

Use a less smoky Scotch for a softer version, or increase the whisky very cautiously if you want more malt character. An orange twist gives the drink a warmer aromatic profile.

Helpful Tips

Stir with hard ice and keep the vermouth refrigerated. Measure the Scotch instead of splashing it in because small changes are obvious in such a dry drink.