The Martini: How This Classic Cocktail Got Its Name
Ahh, the martini. The classic cocktail that casts a spell on men and women alike. Its reputation began over a hundred years ago and continues to this day. Many have claimed to be the origin of this classic drink, but only one can claim the title of creator of the martini…
Origins of the Martini
Like many classic cocktails, martinis have seen a resurgence among drinkers who like a touch of elegance and class. Once a simple mix of gin and dry vermouth, there are literally hundreds of recipes for the drink today.
Martinis can be enjoyed as a cocktail made with gin, vodka, rum, and even whiskey. Like most drinks, it has its share of purists who claim that only gin can make a martini. Gin has the longest association with the cocktail, hands down.
But how did the martini get its name?
To find the answer, we must go back some 140 years to the small California town of Martinez. It seems that a bartender of French descent invented the mix of gin and dry vermouth and named it after the city. The city still exists, about 40 miles northeast of San Francisco with a population of 36,000.
In any case, the name was slightly changed to martini, after a brand of rifle that was well known for firing quite powerful ammunition. Lending credence to the story is the presence of the word “martini” in a bartender’s guide published in the early 1880s.
Evolution of the Martini
The famous Knickerbocker Hotel in New York City also claims to popularize the drink, if not invent it. The elegant hotel bar served many of the classic cocktails during the World War I era. When Prohibition hit, bootleggers discovered that gin was the easiest alcohol to distill, so despite being illegal, martinis were more popular than ever.
Not surprisingly, the popularity of the drink went through cycles. After a time of inactivity in the 1980s and 1990s, it’s back and more popular than ever. Hundreds of variations on the recipe have created new styles and signature flavors of martinis. Bartenders who create a new style can enjoy their brew for years to come.
Some traditionalists insist that a martini is made with gin and dry vermouth, period. However, the popularity of martini bars and themed martini parties has outweighed this sentiment. You can now find the drink, in various forms, from casual establishments to high-end nightclubs and everywhere in between.
Resume
Martinis have been one of the most popular drinks in America for nearly 140 years. They bring a certain air of class and sophistication to any occasion, but are not too serious or reserved to be fun and flirty.
And now that you know the history, so be sure to impress your friends and guests with your knowledge of this classic cocktail!