The origins of the famous Martini Cocktail are unsure. It appears the earliest recording of this cocktail was in the 1860’s. A drink was made at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco, which had a ferry going to Martinez California. This town claims they developed the drink.
Then in 1887 “Martinez Cocktail” was recorded in Jerry Thomas Bartender Guide – albeit containing bitters, maraschino and shaken.
in 1904 saw it was recorded to contain Gin, Vermouth (2:1) and a dash of bitters. Over the 20th century, the portions changed - the Martini for Drier - 1922 it was 2:1, then 1930's 3:1 then a US Soldier turned it into 15:1 "The Montgomery”. Churchill was famous for serving his Gin out of the freezer, into a frozen glass, whilst looking at a bottle of Vermouth.
Several variations exist today:
- Perfect Martini = 1:1
- Churchill Martini = Gin from freezer, into a frozen glass, whilst look at a bottle of vermouth
- Wet Martini has more vermouth than gin
- Dirty = dash of olive brine or olive juice
- Direct / Naked – no stirring down with ice = stronger result
- Vodka Martini = vodka instead of gin
- Beyond Have there variations on this cocktai
Fun fact - It was Bonds 3rd movie when he asked for a Martini “Shaken Not Stirred, and it was Bonds 4th Book that Martini gets a mention – BUT not by Bond
Enjoy!!
