Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: June 19th, 2021. It’s National Martini Day. Time to grab a James Bond Movie invite a friend over and create a bunch of Martinis to share.
Today is National Martini Day although the exact origin of the Martini is unknown, this iconic drink has earned a permanent place in the pantheon of classic Cocktails.
The first printed recipe for a “Martinez” Cocktail appeared in a bartending manual published in San Francisco in 1887. However, historians disagree over whether the beverage actually originated on the West Coast.
In 1911, a New York City bartender named Martini di Arma di Taggia began serving a cocktail made with Gin, Vermouth, Orange Bitters, and an Olive garnish. The Martini gained widespread popularity among Manhattan Socialites, and has been associated with New York ever since.
Did you know 50% of all cocktails are served in a Martini glass? Some of the most famous (historical and fictional) Martini lovers include: John D. Rockefeller, Humphrey Bogart, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Clark Gable, Ernest Hemingway, and who could forget James Bond?
To celebrate National Martini Day, enjoy a refreshing Martini in the company of friends. Since I don’t care for Martini’s but David would drink them I should make him one this evening to celebrate Fathers Day tomorrow. Would you like to join David in a drink?
Do you prefer your Martini dry, dirty, shaken, or not stirred? That’s the question we’re all asking on National Martini Day, a special occasion to enjoy your favorite version of the Classic Martini Cocktail.
The Martini was originally called “The Martinez,” named after the California Gold Rush for the town of Martinez, where the Martini was invented.
Early Martinis were made with Wine, Gin, and an Olive. But Martinis have expanded to many exciting flavors! On June 19th take a moment to relax while sipping on a new type of Martini after your long day and start feeling like the international spy of mystery that you are.
Five Facts About The Martini:
- A classic Martini is Gin or Vodka, a splash of dry Vermouth (French-white) and an Olive or a Lemon twist garnish.
- Italian immigrant bartender Martini di Arma di Taggia in New York City is said to have invented the drink around World War I,
- If a Martini is shaken it is said to be ‘bruised’ or watered down. Many say stirring the Ice will help chill without adding water to the mixture.
- Many think the Martini is derived from a British-made rifle called a Martini & Henry used by the English Army in the 1870’s because of its ‘kick’.
- It is said that John D. Rockefeller ‘brought the Martini to Wall Street’ thus establishing the ‘3 Martini lunch’
Dirty Martini:
- 2 1/2 ounces gin or vodka
- 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
- 1/2 ounce olive brine
- Garnish: 2 to 4 olives
Add the Gin or Vodka, Vermouth and Olive brine to a mixing glass filled with Ice and stir until well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a skewer of Olives.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
