Martini Cocktail Recipe

Few drinks embody timeless elegance like the Martini cocktail. Originating in the late 19th century, the Martini has become a global symbol of sophistication, blending history, culture, and taste in one iconic glass. From its debated beginnings in Martinez, California, to its transformation into the classic dry gin and vermouth recipe of the 1920s, the Martini’s journey reflects the evolution of cocktail craftsmanship. Popularized further by James Bond’s famous “shaken, not stirred” Vodka Martini, this drink continues to inspire countless variations while remaining a staple of mixology. Whether enjoyed with an olive garnish or a lemon twist, the Martini stands as the ultimate cocktail of refinement, making it a must‑know recipe for enthusiasts and bartenders alike. This is a quintessential cocktail that only has two ingredients prepared with gin.

Few cocktails carry the same aura of sophistication as the Martini. Its origins, however, are as intriguing as its taste. Historians trace the Martini back to the late 19th century, with most agreeing it evolved from the Martinez—a sweeter mix of gin, vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters. Some legends place its birth in Martinez, California, during the Gold Rush, while others credit New York bartenders in the early 1900s.

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By the 1920s, the Martini had transformed into its iconic “dry” form: London dry gin paired with dry vermouth, stirred with ice, and served in a chilled glass. Garnished with an olive or lemon twist, this version became synonymous with elegance and high society. Writers like Ernest Hemingway and Dorothy Parker immortalized it in literature, while Winston Churchill famously preferred his Martini with minimal vermouth.

The mid-20th century introduced the Vodka Martini, propelled into pop culture by James Bond’s “shaken, not stirred” catchphrase. Since then, countless variations have emerged—from espresso Martinis to fruity riffs—though purists argue only gin and vermouth define a true Martini. Today, the Martini remains a timeless symbol of refinement. Whether enjoyed in its classic form or modern adaptations, it continues to embody the artistry of cocktail culture, bridging history with contemporary taste.

Martini Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 oz. dry gin

• 3/4 oz. good dry vermouth

• Lemon twist or olives

Assembly

Chill a Martini glass. Combine and stir the gin, dry vermouth, and a little ice together or put them in a cocktail shaker to combine until chilled. Serve with an olive on a cocktail stick or a twist of lemon peel.