The martini is one of the most iconic and enduring cocktails in history. With its elegant simplicity and smooth taste, it has become a symbol of sophistication and refinement around the world.
But where did this timeless drink originate, and how has it evolved over time?
The roots of the martini can be traced back to the 19th century, when gin was a popular spirit in the United States. In those days, it was common to mix gin with sweet vermouth and bitters, creating a drink known as the Martinez. However, the exact origins of the Martinez are unclear, and there are many stories and legends about how it came to be. One popular tale is that the Martinez was invented by a bartender named Julio Richelieu, who worked at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco. According to this story, a gold miner named Thomas Martinez walked into the bar and asked for a drink that would cure his hangover. Richelieu mixed up a concoction of gin, vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters, and Martinez reportedly declared it the best drink he had ever had.
Whether or not this story is true, there is no doubt that the Martinez was a precursor to the modern martini. Over time, bartenders began to experiment with different proportions of gin and vermouth, eventually settling on a recipe that called for a much drier, more gin-heavy cocktail. This became known as the Dry Martini, and it soon became the preferred drink of sophisticated urbanites around the world.
Throughout the 20th century, the martini continued to evolve and change. During Prohibition, gin was often replaced with other spirits such as rum or whiskey, leading to the creation of cocktails like the Rum Martini and the Whiskey Martini. In the 1960s and 70s, James Bond helped popularize the Vodka Martini, which was made with vodka instead of gin.
Despite all these variations, the classic Dry Martini remains the most iconic version of this beloved drink. Whether you prefer it with a twist of lemon or a few drops of olive brine, there's no denying the allure and sophistication of a perfectly crafted martini.
Now go make this drink.
2.5 oz. London Dry Gin
½ oz. Dry Vermouth
Stir ingredients in glass over ice, strain into chilled Nick & Nora glass, garnish with lemon peel or olives.
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