When was the Martini Invented
The exact origin of the Martini is uncertain and there are several stories about how it was invented. However, it is generally believed to have originated in the late 19th century or early 20th century.
One popular story attributes the Martini’s invention to a bartender named Martini di Arma di Taggia, who worked at the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York City in the early 1900s. According to the story, he created a cocktail made with gin, vermouth, and orange bitters and named it after himself.
Another story attributes the Martini’s invention to a bartender named Julio Richelieu, who worked at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco in the late 1800s. According to this story, Richelieu created a cocktail made with gin, vermouth, and orange bitters and named it after the town of Martinez, California.
Regardless of its origin, the Martini became a popular cocktail in the early 20th century and remains a classic today. It is typically made with gin or vodka, dry vermouth, and a garnish such as a lemon twist or olive.
What You Need
- gin
- dry vermouth
- Ice
- Lemon twist or green olive for garnish
How to Make a Martini
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the gin and dry vermouth to the shaker.
- Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds, or until well-chilled. Be careful not to shake the martini, as shaking it too much can dilute the cocktail and create unwanted froth.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass using a cocktail strainer to catch the ice and any small particles.
- Garnish the drink with a lemon twist or a green olive on a skewer. Twist the lemon peel over the top of the martini to release the oils and aromatics, then discard the peel.
Variations:
- For a “wetter” Martini with less gin, use a 3:1 ratio of gin to vermouth.
- For a Vodka Martini, substitute vodka for the gin.
- For a Dirty Martini, add a splash of olive brine to the mixture and garnish with green olives.
- For a Gibson Martini, use a cocktail onion instead of a lemon twist or olive for garnish.
Tip For Making a Martini
- Use good-quality ingredients: Since the Martini has only a few ingredients, it’s important to use high-quality gin, dry vermouth, and garnishes. Choose a gin that you enjoy and a good-quality dry vermouth that is fresh and not past its prime.
- Chill the glass: Chilling the glass before serving will keep the Martini cold and enhance the drinking experience. You can put the glass in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice and water for a few minutes before straining out the ice.
- Stir gently: Stirring the Martini gently is essential to properly combine the ingredients and chill the cocktail. Use a long-handled bar spoon to gently stir the cocktail for about 30 seconds or until it reaches your desired level of chill.
- Strain carefully: Use a strainer to remove any ice or small particles when pouring the Martini into the glass. This will give your drink a smooth and elegant appearance.
- Choose the right garnish: The garnish you choose for your Martini can make a big difference in the flavor and appearance of the cocktail. A lemon twist or olive are traditional garnishes, but you can experiment with different options, such as a pickled pearl onion or a twist of lime.
- Experiment with ratios and variations: The beauty of the Martini is that it can be easily customized to your personal taste. Experiment with different ratios of gin to vermouth, try different brands of gin and vermouth, and experiment with different garnishes and variations to find your perfect Martini.
Enjoy your delicious Martini, and have fun exploring the many variations of this classic cocktail!
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a gin Martini and a vodka Martini?
A gin Martini is made with gin and dry vermouth, while a vodka Martini is made with vodka and dry vermouth. The choice between gin and vodka is a matter of personal preference.
What is a dirty Martini?
A dirty Martini is a Martini that is made with olive brine (the liquid from a jar of olives), which gives the cocktail a slightly salty and briny flavor. It is typically garnished with green olives.
What is a Gibson Martini?
A Gibson Martini is a variation of the classic Martini that is garnished with a cocktail onion instead of a lemon twist or olive.
What is the perfect Martini?
The perfect Martini is a matter of personal preference and can vary widely depending on the drinker’s tastes. Some people prefer a Martini that is heavy on the gin, while others prefer a “wetter” Martini with more vermouth. Experimentation is key to finding your perfect Martini!
What is the proper ratio of gin (or vodka) to vermouth in a Martini?
The traditional ratio of gin (or vodka) to vermouth in a Martini is 2:1, or two parts gin (or vodka) to one part dry vermouth. However, this ratio can be adjusted to suit your personal taste.
What are some variations of the Martini cocktail?
There are many variations of the Martini cocktail, including the Dirty Martini (made with olive brine), the Gibson Martini (garnished with a cocktail onion), the Cosmopolitan (made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice), and the Espresso Martini (made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso). You can also experiment with different garnishes and ratios of gin to vermouth to create your own unique variation of the classic Martini.
Martini
Martini is actually a series of cocktail assembly, most of the usual martini refers to the dry martini, there are about two hundred martini series of cocktails, the traditional practice is mostly stirring method, but also shaking method, such as the Bond Martini. The martini is also known as the "king of cocktails" because of its simple recipe and versatile taste, which can be found in many cocktails.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- ½ oz dry vermouth
- 1 pitted green olive or 1 slice of lime peel
- 1 cup of ice
Instructions
Pour the ice cubes into a mixing glass. Stir the ice cubes continuously to dissolve the water and cool it down. After filtering out the water, add the gin and dry vermouth. Stir again to lower the temperature and mix the liquor. Then pour the mixture into a cocktail glass. Gently drop olive or lemon twist into the glass. Serve.
Notes
If you prefer a "wetter" Martini with less gin, you can adjust the ratio of gin to vermouth. A common variation is the 3:1 Martini, which uses 3 oz of gin to 1 oz of dry vermouth. If you prefer a vodka Martini, simply substitute vodka for the gin. You can also experiment with different garnishes, such as a twist of lime or a pickled pearl onion.
