
While steeped in mystery, the invention of the martini is widely credited to the town of Martinez near San Francisco which developed the drink sometime in the late 1800s. Possibly served to local tourists by the Occidental Hotel, the drink originally appears in bar books in 1888 with recipes calling for a concoction of gin, vermouth, Boker’s bitters (no longer available), maraschino liquor, and a lemon twist.
Prohibition
Gin
Vodka
The Martini Today
Classic Martini Recipe
· 2 1/2 oz gin · 1/2 oz dry vermouth · 1 green olive or lemon twist for garnish · Orange or Angostura bitters (optional) |
2. Stir for 30 seconds.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Add a dash of orange or Angostura bitters if desired
5. Garnish with the olive or lemon twist.