Tallboy Martini

Recipe: Den Stephens and Zach Edwards , Tallboy , Oakland, California

Photo: Nicola Parisi

May 07, 2025

A savory take on a low-proof classic.

Tallboy in Oakland, California, boasts a range of Martini-inspired cocktails, from an agave-infused take on the Vesper to a “Martiña Colada.” But their Tallboy Martini recipe, a savory twist on the 50:50 Martini, is their top seller. Here, they switch out the dry vermouth for Manzanilla sherry “so it’s really dry with the saline character,” says drink co-creator Den Stephens in our On the Menu piece. “Our goal was to create a crushable, savory riff on a classic 50/50 martini that was crisp and clean with a seriously long finish.”

Ingredients

1 1/2 oz. Manzanilla sherry (Tallboy uses Lustau Papirusa)
3/4 oz. Bombay Sapphire
3/4 oz. London dry gin (Tallboy uses Gordon’s)
1 dash orange bitters
Jacobsen sea salt solution

Tools:mixing glass, barspoon
Glass:martini
Garnish:pimento-stuffed olive on a pick

Preparation

Add the ingredients, except the sea salt solution, to a mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill and strain into a chilled glass. Express and discard a lemon twist over the top and spray the sea salt solution. Garnish.
Jacobsen Sea Salt SolutionCombine 4 parts of hot water with 1 part of Jacobsen sea salt. Stir vigorously until salt is completely dissolved. Once cooled, decant into spritzer or atomizer.