Martini – an iconic cocktail

The Martini is a symbol of sophistication and elegance, recognized as one of the most iconic cocktails globally. Its origin is a subject of debate and legend. One theory traces its roots to the United States, during the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s.

According to this theory, a bartender in Martinez, California, created the first Martini-like cocktail, which was initially called the “Martinez.” Over time, the recipe evolved, and the drink became known as the Martini.

Another theory connects martini to European origins, possibly from Martini di Arma di Taggia, Italy, where vermouth was produced in the 19th century. It’s said that the cocktail may have been named after this vermouth.

Regardless of origin, martini’s impact on cocktail culture is undeniable, with June 19th celebrated as Martini Day in the US, UK, and Canada. Its cultural presence is significant, appearing in literature (F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”), films (James Bond 007), and popular culture.

As I mentioned in the “6 basic cocktails“, this cocktail possesses a distinctive quality, characterized by its varying levels of dryness, spanning from “wet” (with a higher proportion of vermouth) to “dry” (containing less vermouth), and ultimately reaching “bone dry” (nearly devoid of vermouth).

traditional Martini recipe

This drink is a simple yet exquisite cocktail, traditionally made with just a few key ingredients and it’s easy to make. Here is how to make the original Martini at home:

Ingredients

2 ½ oz Gin or vodka
½ oz Dry vermouth
Ice
Lemon twist or olive for garnish optional

Instructions

Fill a mixing glass or shaker with ice.
Pour in 2 1/2 ounces of gin or vodka.
Add 1/2 ounce of dry vermouth.
Stir (for a gin Martini) or shake (for a vodka Martini) vigorously until well-chilled.
Strain the mixture into a chilled Martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive, if desired.

Classic Martini

A symbol of refinement and timeless elegance

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Total Time 8

Course Drinks

Cuisine American, European

Servings 1

Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients

2 ½ oz Gin or vodka
½ oz Dry vermouth
Ice
Lemon twist or olive for garnish optional

Instructions

Fill a mixing glass or shaker with ice.
Pour in 2 1/2 ounces of gin or vodka.
Add 1/2 ounce of dry vermouth.
Stir (for a gin Martini) or shake (for a vodka Martini) vigorously until well-chilled.
Strain the mixture into a chilled Martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive, if desired.

Notes

The calorie count is an approximate estimate and can vary depending on factors such as the specific brands of alcohol and vermouth used, as well as the size of the garnish. If you’re concerned about the calorie content, you can opt for lower-calorie versions of vermouth or choose to enjoy your Martini without a garnish.

Keyword cocktail, drinks

variations

Over the years, this cocktail has evolved, giving rise to numerous different types. Each offers a unique flavor profile and twist on the classic cocktail. Here are a few popular ideas:

Dirty Martini: Add a small amount of olive brine to the classic version for a salty twist. Garnish with olives.
Gibson: Similar to a classic recipe but garnished with cocktail onions instead of olives or lemon twist.
Vesper: Made famous by James Bond, it combines gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc. It’s typically garnished with a lemon twist.
Appletini: A sweeter variation, made with apple schnapps or apple-flavored vodka.
(Godiva) Chocolate Martini: Perfect for dessert, including chocolate liqueur and cream or milk, creating a decadent flavor profile.
French Martini: A fruity twist on the classic, made with vodka, raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice.

Espresso Martini: For coffee lovers, this variant combines vodka or whiskey (Bailey), coffee liqueur, and freshly brewed espresso.
Hendrick’s Martini: Made with Hendrick’s Gin, this variation has a unique flavor profile due to the addition of cucumber and rose petal infusions.
Saketini: A fusion of East and West, this type uses sake along with gin or vodka and is often garnished with a cucumber slice.
Fruity Martini: A delightful variation that infuses vibrant fruit flavors (pomegranate, orange, strawberry, pear, grapefruit, watermelon, cranberry mistletoe, green apple, mango, sour apple, or yuzu), into the mix, creating a refreshing and enticing drink experience. You can name some of them like the Pornstar version (passion fruit) or Limoncello (lemon drop).