Heirloom Martini

A savory-bright stirred gin cocktail built around tomato water, MSG solution, clarified grapefruit juice, and Aperol. Created by Chris Day, it's a dirty-martini-style drink with umami depth, citrus brightness, and a bitter-sweet balance from Aperol.

smart_display Published 2026-04-30 download Extracted 2026-05-04

5m Prep

5m Total

1 Servings

cocktail gin stirred martini umami savory aperol tomato-water

Ingredients

3 drops MSG solution (20%)
45 ml tomato water
15 ml grapefruit juice (filtered or clarified)
15 ml simple syrup (1:1)
15 ml lime juice (fake or clarified)
15 ml Aperol
45 ml gin (Ford's recommended)
for garnish basil leaves (smacked, regal stir) optional

Steps

1

Add 3 drops of 20% MSG solution to a mixing glass for umami depth.
2

Add tomato water, filtered grapefruit juice, simple syrup, fake/clarified lime juice, Aperol, and gin.

Tip: Use clarified or microfiltered grapefruit juice for a softer, less bitey palate.
3

Fill the mixing glass with cracked ice and stir until well chilled.

~1 min
4

Strain into a chilled coupe.
5

Smack a few basil leaves to release their oils, sink them into the cocktail, and regal stir to infuse. Optional garnish.

Tip: Basil wilts faster than mint — keep it submerged rather than as a bouquet on top.

Nutrition (per serving)

180

Calories

Protein

Carbs

Cultural Context

Created by bartender Chris Day, the Heirloom Martini reimagines the dirty martini by replacing olive brine with tomato water and MSG solution, then layering grapefruit, lime, simple syrup, and Aperol. It reflects a 2020s craft-cocktail trend toward savory umami-driven martinis and the use of clarified juices and lime alternatives.