Origin of the Martini?
Many debates have arose as to who first created the martini. Those who claim to have created the martini have submitted varying recipes and names, none of which exactly fit the martini recipe that exists today. While opinions differ, the modern day dry martini consists of Gin and a varying amount of dry white Vermouth (dependent upon taste). An olive, a twist, or a cocktail onion are all acceptable as a garnish, though adding a cocktail onion transforms the martini into a Gibson. Over the years, vodka has emerged as an acceptable substitute for gin.
Historical claim begins with a cocktail named the Martinez, created in 1862. This particular drink consisted of 4 parts Sweet Vermouth to 1 part Gin, garnished with a cherry. The first version included aromatic bitters and ‘Old Tom’ Gin, which was very sweet, incorporating a robust Juniper flavor. The transformation into what is considered a modern martini happened gradually. First, Old Tom gin was replaced with ‘London Dry’ Gin; Orange bitters replaced the aromatic bitters. Many began to replace the red vermouth with a dry, white vermouth. The alcohol proportions eventually became equal parts, and soon the dry martini had evolved, olive included.
Origin of the martini
Other stories have also won favor over the years…
In 1870 at Julio Richelieu’s saloon in Martinez, Ca a drink was mixed for a visiting miner. Julio placed an olive in the glass before handing it to the man, then named it after the town. Martinez, California still holds claim as the birthplace of the Martini.
Jerry Thomas of San Francisco printed a bartending book in 1887 with a Martinez recipe. It called for one dash of Bitters, two dashes of Maraschino juice, 1 wine glass of Vermouth, 2 jigs of ice and a pony of Old Tom Gin. It was garnished with a slice of lemon.
Another story claims the drink’s name is derived from the Martini and Henry rifle used by British soldiers in the early 1870′s. According to lore, the rifle and the drink “shared a strong kick.”
In 1896, Thomas Stewart published ‘Stewart’s Fancy Drinks and How to Mix Them.’ Contained within the book, a recipe for a drink called the ‘Marquerite’ consisting of ’1 dash orange bitters, 2/3 Plymouth Gin, and 1/3 French Vermouth.’
Finally, in 1911 at the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York, the head bartender, a gentleman by the name of Martini di Arma di Taggia, mixed equal parts London Gin & Noilly Prat Vermouth, with a dash of orange bitters. He chilled the drink and strained it into a well-chilled glass. Many visitors to the Knickerbocker asked for variations of the drink, one of which included an olive.
1888 was the year that saw the word Martini first mentioned as an official cocktail. Martini appeared in the ‘New and Improved Illustrated Bartending Manual.’
Regardless of the true origin, the quest for the perfect martini continues tho this very day. Martini bars continue to spring up, and variations of the martini continue to evolve. Nowadays, it seems anything presented in a martini glass is considered to be a Martini. That is a debate for another day. Until then, simply enjoy your favorite version of what has truly become an American classic.