Origins of The Martini

The martini — that iconic mix of gin and dry vermouth, often garnished with an olive or lemon twist — has somewhat mysterious origins,

Martinez Theory (1860s)

The most widely accepted theory traces the martini’s roots to the Martinez cocktail, which was reportedly served in the town of Martinez, California, during the Gold Rush era. A miner who struck gold supposedly walked into a saloon in Martinez and asked for something special. The bartender mixed gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters — calling it a Martinez.

The Martini di Arma di Taggia Theory (Early 1900s)

Another claim credits Martini di Arma di Taggia, an Italian bartender at New York’s Knickerbocker Hotel around 1910, with creating the first dry martini.

The Martini Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 2.5 oz Gin Chin Classic Dry
• 0.5 oz dry vermouth
• Dash of orange bitters (optional, but more traditional)
• Stirred or shaken with ice, strained into a chilled glass
• Garnish: lemon twist or olive

Metho

1. Chill the glass

   Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes, or fill it with ice water while you mix the drink.

2. Mix the drink

   Fill a mixing glass (or cocktail shaker) with ice. Add the gin and dry vermouth. Stir gently for about 30 seconds (or shake if you prefer a frothier, colder drink — though purists stir).

3. Strain

   Empty your chilled glass. Strain the martini into the glass using a cocktail strainer.

4. Garnish

   Add a lemon twist (express the oils over the surface, then drop it in or discard)
   or. Skewer a green olive and drop it in.