Martini
Origin
1888
Evolved from the Martinez cocktail of the 1880s; first 'Martini' recipe appears in Harry Johnson's 1888 Bartenders' Manual. Many origin stories exist (Jerry Thomas at the Occidental Hotel for a traveler to Martinez, California; Martini & Rossi vermouth marketing); the lineage from Martinez to dry Martini is documented but no single inventor is proven.
Variations
- Vodka MartiniSwap gin for vodka
- Dirty MartiniAdd olive brine
- GibsonGarnish with cocktail onion instead of olive
- VesperGin + vodka + Lillet Blanc, shaken
The icon of cocktail culture — cold, clean, and elegant.
Ingredients
- 2½ oz Gin
- ½ oz Dry Vermouth
- Olive (or lemon twist)
Instructions
- Combine gin and vermouth in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir for 20–30 seconds until very cold.
- Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
- Garnish with an olive or lemon twist.
Tips
- The gin-to-vermouth ratio is personal. Start at 5:1 and adjust.
- Stirring (not shaking) keeps it silky and clear.
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