How to make the Oppenheimer Martini

Ever wondered how to mix a cocktail like a legendary scientist? Look no further. Here’s how to make the Oppenheimer Martini.

In the Oppenheimer movie, keen-eyed cocktail fans will has noticed the famed scientist J. Robert. Oppenheimer, played by the actor Cillian Murphy, mixes a drink during one of the party scenes. The detail has been included because Oppenheimer was said to be known for being an adept mixologist when he held gatherings at his Los Alamos home in New Mexico.

According to the official Los Alamos recipe, Oppenheimer had his own strong take on a classic Martini. Since the film, the Oppenheimer Martini has been reborn and contains gin with just a splash of dry vermouth, with a rim that’s been dipped in a mixture of honey and lime juice.

Due to recent screenings of the film, there has been renewed interest in the cocktail even though details about the recipe have been kept under wraps in Los Alamos history since World War II.

According to the Los Alamos National Laboratory, which features the recipe on its website, the cocktail was “his signature drink” and yet has become renowned. So much so that the Los Alamos History Museum sells martini glasses etched with the cocktail recipe.

As cited by the Los Alamos Historical Society: “Pat Sherr, the wife of a lab physicist, once famously attested that Oppenheimer ‘served the most delicious and coldest martinis.’”

The official Los Alamos recipe uses 4oz gin per Martini, making it a cocktail that is likely to floor many trying to replicate it. Many are suggesting to use a smaller measure, but to keep the gin as the leading component and yet retain the signature honey and lime rim for the glass.

This article was originally published by the drinks business and has been shared with permission.

Leave your reply

Most Recent Stories

Noble Rot partners with The Wine Society

Noble Rot Mayfair has opened a new cellar private dining room with a special collection from The Wine Society  to welcome the occasion. 

London's hottest restaurant openings: December 2023

Christmas is the time of year to eat, drink and be merry – here are some of the new London spots worth dropping by this festive season.

Tributes paid to Russell Norman

The restaurateur credited with transforming London's dining scene with the opening of Polpo, Spuntino and Brutto, died last week at the age of 57.

Mendoza sweeps up Michelin stars

In the very first edition of the Michelin Guide in Argentina, Mendoza took home four of the six stars in an awards ceremony last week firmly placing the wine region at the top of any gastronome’s bucket list of places to visit.

WLC Eats: The Clove Club, Shoreditch

Douglas Blyde heads to what was once Shoreditch Town Hall to visit The Clove Club. While there, he explores the two Michelin-starred restaurant's "masterful" and "memorable" tasting menu, and raises the question of why chef-patron Isaac McHale hasn't written a book yet.

Most Recent Stories

Noble Rot partners with The Wine Society

Noble Rot Mayfair has opened a new cellar private dining room with a special collection from The Wine Society  to welcome the occasion. 

London's hottest restaurant openings: December 2023

Christmas is the time of year to eat, drink and be merry – here are some of the new London spots worth dropping by this festive season.

Tributes paid to Russell Norman

The restaurateur credited with transforming London's dining scene with the opening of Polpo, Spuntino and Brutto, died last week at the age of 57.

Mendoza sweeps up Michelin stars

In the very first edition of the Michelin Guide in Argentina, Mendoza took home four of the six stars in an awards ceremony last week firmly placing the wine region at the top of any gastronome’s bucket list of places to visit.

WLC Eats: The Clove Club, Shoreditch

Douglas Blyde heads to what was once Shoreditch Town Hall to visit The Clove Club. While there, he explores the two Michelin-starred restaurant's "masterful" and "memorable" tasting menu, and raises the question of why chef-patron Isaac McHale hasn't written a book yet.