What Does It Mean To Order A Martini Burnt?

While a basic martini is typically made with gin and dry vermouth, a burnt martini informs the bartender that you want some peaty, single-malt scotch splashed into your drink.

For lovers of smoky and herbaceous cocktails, peaty scotch plays the starring role in a burnt martini. A peaty scotch most likely means you're looking for an Islay scotch.

These whiskies are named after Islay, an island located off the west coast of Scotland. The area is famous for signature whiskies that are smoky, earthy, and slightly salty.

They're also sharp and bring a spicy clarity to mixed drinks. The combination of herbaceous gin and vermouth coupled with earthy, salty peated whisky ups the drink's intensity.