![Aged Martini](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.foodandwine.com/thmb/yG-3X3YPgMbXQKNAI1NMPQBDPxM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/201210-xl-aged-martini-b1638b817966437bb860218139182229.jpg)
Ingredients
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One 1-liter oak barrel (see Note)
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22 ounces gin
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11 ounces dry vermouth
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Ice
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Lemon twists, for serving
Directions
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If the barrel is new and dry inside, fill it with water and let stand until watertight, about 24 hours. Drain.
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Using a funnel, fill the barrel with all of the liquid ingredients. Let age, tasting a sample once a week, until the cocktail has taken on a rounded but not overly oaky flavor, about 1 month.
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Strain the cocktail through a coffee filter–lined funnel into a glass container and store indefinitely.
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To serve, pour 3 ounces into an ice-filled cocktail shaker and stir until chilled. Strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a twist.
Notes
You can find 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-liter barrels at tuthilltown.com ($60 to $96). For barrels larger than 1 liter, multiply each aged cocktail recipe proportionately.