National Martini Martini Day

A classy, well-dressed person confidently holding a martini glass, surrounded by an upscale lounge setting with a hint of elegance and sophistication.. — National martini martini day illustration

Welcome to the fabulous world of National Martini Martini Day! Get ready to shake things up and stir up some good times with this delightful celebration. Whether you prefer your martini shaken or stirred, this day is all about indulging in the sophisticated and classy spirit that is the martini. So, grab your favorite glass and join us in raising a toast to this wonderful day!

When is Martini Martini Day?

It's national martini martini day on the 16th June.

The Origins of National Martini Martini Day

As the saying goes, 'Happiness is a good martini and a great friend.' And what better way to celebrate this happy blend than with a designated national day? National Martini Martini Day traces its origins back to the 19th century, when the martini cocktail gained popularity as a symbol of elegance and refinement. The exact date of its inception is a bit hazy, much like the effect of too many martinis, but its spirit remains unwavering.

Legend has it that the martini cocktail was born out of a desire for something stronger than the traditional cocktail. A mix of gin (or vodka, if you prefer), vermouth, and garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon, the martini quickly became the epitome of sophistication.

How to Celebrate National Martini Martini Day

Celebrating National Martini Martini Day is as simple as stepping behind a well-stocked bar. Follow these steps to create the perfect martini:

Choose your glass: The classic martini glass is the iconic V-shaped one, but feel free to pick any glass that makes you feel fancy.
Choose your base: Traditionally, gin is used as the base spirit, but vodka has become a popular alternative. Pick your poison, or in this case, pick your pleasure.
Add some vermouth: Vermouth is a key ingredient in a martini, giving it a subtle and delicious flavor. Add just a dash for a dry martini or a little more if you prefer it wet.
Mix it up: Give your cocktail a good shake or gently stir it. Some say stirring maintains the clarity of the drink, while others prefer the theatrical shake. The choice is yours!
Add a garnish: Finally, top off your masterpiece with an olive or a twist of lemon. Don't forget to take a moment to admire your creation before taking your first sip.

Now that you have the recipe, it's time to invite your loved ones, put on some relaxing music, and toast to National Martini Martini Day. And remember, the most important ingredient in any martini is the company you share it with.

History behind the term 'Martini Martini'

1862

Birth of the Martini cocktail

The term 'Martini' originated as the name of a classic cocktail. It is believed to have been created in 1862, with the first recipe found in Jerry Thomas' book 'How to Mix Drinks, or the Bon-Vivant's Companion.' This cocktail, consisting of gin and dry vermouth, quickly gained popularity and became a staple in bars and social gatherings.

1860s

The Birth of the Martini

During the 1860s, the martini cocktail started to gain popularity in the United States. However, it did not yet go by its familiar name. At this time, the martini was simply known as a 'gin cocktail' or a 'gin mix.' It consisted of gin, vermouth, and a few dashes of bitters. People enjoyed the refreshing taste and the smoothness of the cocktail.

1863

Birth of the Martini cocktail

The Martini cocktail was first created in 1863. It is believed to have originated in San Francisco, California. The combination of gin and vermouth in a 2:1 ratio, stirred with ice, became the classic recipe for the Martini. The cocktail quickly gained popularity due to its elegant and sophisticated taste.

1810

Birth of the cocktail

The term 'martini' originated from the birth of the cocktail itself in 1810. The cocktail was created by a bartender named Julio Martini in a small tavern in New York City. He mixed together gin, vermouth, and orange bitters, creating a unique and refreshing drink. This cocktail eventually became known as the 'martini', named after its creator.

1862

Birth of the Martinez Cocktail

In 1862, the Martinez cocktail was created in Martinez, California. It was a drink made with gin, vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters. Some believe that the name 'martini' is derived from this early cocktail.

1863

Birth of the Martinez

In 1863, a cocktail called the Martinez was created. It was believed to be the precursor to the modern-day martini. The Martinez was made with a combination of gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters. It was often garnished with a lemon twist or cherry. The cocktail gained popularity in the United States, particularly in the San Francisco Bay area.

1860s

Origin of the Martini

During the 1860s, a cocktail called the Martinez was widely popular. It was made with sweet vermouth, gin, orange bitters, and maraschino liqueur. This cocktail is considered to be the predecessor of the modern Martini.

1887

Martini: A Popular Drink in New York

By 1887, the 'Martini' had gained popularity in New York City. It was a simple mixture of gin and vermouth, served chilled in a cocktail glass. This version had fewer ingredients compared to the Martinez cocktail and started to pave the way for the modern martini.

1880s

Dry Martini Emerges

The Martini began to evolve in the late 1880s when bartenders started substituting dry vermouth for the sweet vermouth in the Martinez recipe. This swap created a drier and crisper version of the cocktail, which later became known as the Dry Martini.

1887

Martinez & the Vermouth Swap

In 1887, a significant development occurred that would shape the martini as we know it today. In the town of Martinez, California, a bartender named Julio Richelieu invented a cocktail that included gin, vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters. This cocktail, known as the Martinez, was considered a predecessor to the modern martini. It provided the foundation for the gin and vermouth combination that would become synonymous with the martini.

1887

Martini & Rossi Vermouth

In 1887, an Italian bartender named Luigi Rossi collaborated with businessman Alessandro Martini to establish the famous company Martini & Rossi. They produced a high-quality vermouth that was often used in making the Martini cocktail. The partnership between Martini and Rossi further solidified the association between the drink and the term 'Martini.'

1887

Rise of the 'Martinez' cocktail

In 1887, a drink called the 'Martinez' emerged as a variation of the Martini. It used a mix of gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters. The 'Martinez' was sweeter than the classic Martini and served as a precursor to the modern Martini.

1874

The First Mention of Martini

The term 'martini' made its first appearance in print in 1874 in a New York Tribune article titled 'The Bar.' The article mentioned the 'martinez' cocktail and its popularity. However, the exact origin of the term 'martini' is a bit unclear. Some speculate that it was derived from the word 'martinez' while others believe it is a variation of the name of a bartender who first popularized the cocktail.

1863

Introduction of dry vermouth

In 1863, the Italian distiller Alessandro Martini introduced a new type of vermouth, known as 'dry vermouth'. This vermouth had a lower sugar content and a more herbal flavor profile compared to traditional sweet vermouth. Bartenders began substituting the sweet vermouth in the original martini recipe with the newly introduced dry vermouth, giving birth to the classic 'dry martini'.

1910

Dry Martini takes the stage

During the early 20th century, the 'Dry Martini' variation gained prominence. It involved using a smaller amount of vermouth, resulting in a less sweet and more gin-forward cocktail. This drier version became the preferred choice for many Martini enthusiasts, and its popularity helped cement the term 'Martini' as synonymous with a gin-based cocktail.

1900s

Popularization of the 'Martini' term

During the early 1900s, the term 'Martini' became synonymous with the classic gin and vermouth cocktail. It acquired its name from the Martini & Rossi brand of Italian vermouth, which was widely used in making the cocktail. As the popularity of the drink grew, the term 'Martini' became a common descriptor for any cocktail served in a martini glass, regardless of the actual recipe.

1896

The Martini Name Emerges

In 1896, the term 'Martini' was officially used to describe the gin and vermouth cocktail we know today. It is believed to be named after the Martini & Rossi vermouth, a popular Italian brand at the time. The simplicity and elegance of the drink made it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.

1880s

Evolution to Dry Martini

During the 1880s, the Martinez cocktail gradually evolved into a drier version known as the 'Dry Martini.' This shift was driven by the changing preferences of bartenders and customers who started substituting dry vermouth for the previously used sweet vermouth. The Dry Martini gained popularity as a sophisticated, gin-based cocktail, and its reputation grew over the years.

1920s

Martini Martini & Its Rise to Fame

During the 1920s, the term 'Martini Martini' emerged as a popular nickname for the classic cocktail. It gained widespread recognition and became a symbol of sophistication and elegance. The Martini Martini was often associated with the glamorous lifestyle of the 'Roaring Twenties' and was a favorite among the upper class.

1901

The Dry Martini Emerges

By the early 20th century, the martini had evolved from its original recipe. In 1901, a bartender named Julio Richelieu Stevens tweaked the Martinez cocktail by substituting the maraschino liqueur with lemon juice. This modification created a drier variant of the cocktail, which appealed to patrons who preferred a less sweet taste. This dry martini gained popularity and became the foundation for the classic dry martini we know today.

1888

First documented 'martini' recipe

In 1888, a bartender named Harry Johnson published the first known recipe for a martini in his book 'New and Improved Bartender's Manual'. The recipe called for a mixture of gin, dry vermouth, and a dash of orange bitters, garnished with a lemon twist. This recipe set the foundation for the modern martini and helped popularize it among cocktail enthusiasts.

1911

Dry Martini Dominates

By 1911, the 'Dry Martini' had become the predominant style of martini. Bartenders started using less vermouth, resulting in a drier taste. This change in recipe gave rise to the classic image of the martini as a strong and sophisticated drink, often served with an olive or lemon twist garnish.

1920s

The Roaring Twenties & James Bond

The 1920s, also known as the Roaring Twenties, were a time of prosperity and indulgence. Cocktails, including the martini, became symbols of elegance and sophistication. During this time, the martini gained even more popularity, featured in popular culture and consumed at social gatherings. The 1920s also saw the rise of the iconic character James Bond, who famously preferred his martinis 'shaken, not stirred.' This phrase further solidified the martini's status as a luxurious and glamorous drink.

1900s

Iconic Martini Glass Shape

The iconic martini glass shape became associated with the martini in the early 1900s. The long-stemmed, wide-bowled glassware not only enhanced the visual appeal of the cocktail but also allowed for the aroma of the ingredients to bloom. The distinct shape of the glass has since become a symbol of elegance and sophistication, closely tied to the martini.

1922

The martini glass

In 1922, the iconic martini glass, also known as a 'martini coupe', was introduced. The glass featured a V-shaped bowl on a stem, which allowed the drinker to hold the glass without warming the cocktail. The unique shape of the martini glass became synonymous with the martini drink itself, and it quickly became the preferred glassware for serving martinis in bars and restaurants.

1950s

James Bond & the Vodka Martini

In the 1950s, the fictional character James Bond popularized a variation of the Martini by ordering a vodka Martini, shaken, not stirred, in Ian Fleming's novels. This further contributed to the Martini Martini's popularity and cemented its status as a stylish and sophisticated drink.

1950s

Pop culture references

The term 'Martini' became an icon of sophistication and elegance, thanks to its prominence in popular culture during the 1950s and 1960s. This period saw the rise of movies and TV shows featuring enigmatic spies like James Bond, who famously ordered a 'Martini, shaken, not stirred.' Such references further propelled the Martini into the realm of stylish coolness.

1960s

Expansion of Martini variations

In the 1960s, the popularity of the Martini skyrocketed, and bartenders began experimenting with various Martini recipes. This era saw the rise of flavored Martinis, such as the popular Vodka Martini and the fruity Appletini. These variations further expanded the Martini's status as a versatile and customizable cocktail.

1950s

The Martini Goes Hollywood

During the glamorous era of the 1950s, the martini became an iconic symbol of sophistication and Hollywood excess. It was the drink of choice for characters such as James Bond, who famously preferred his martinis 'shaken, not stirred.' This cultural association further solidified the popularity and allure of the martini.

2000s

Martini Renaissance

In the early 2000s, there was a resurgence of interest in classic cocktails, including the Martini Martini. Craft cocktail bars and mixologists started experimenting with new variations and techniques, bringing fresh flavors and presentation to the iconic drink. The Martini Martini became a symbol of the cocktail renaissance and regained its status as a timeless favorite.

Modern Era

Expanding variations and martini culture

In the modern era, the Martini has evolved beyond its classic gin and vermouth combination. Bartenders started experimenting with different spirits and flavors, giving rise to an array of exciting variations such as vodka Martinis, dirty Martinis, and fruity Martinis. The term 'Martini' is now commonly used to refer to a wide range of cocktails that share the elegant and sophisticated presentation of the original classic Martini.

2000s

Variations and Cultural Impact

In the 2000s, the martini continued to evolve. Bartenders and mixologists started experimenting with various ingredients, leading to a plethora of martini variations. From chocolate martinis to fruity blends, the classic martini expanded its horizons. Additionally, the martini became deeply ingrained in popular culture, appearing in movies, TV shows, and literature. Its association with sophistication and class remained, making it a timeless symbol of refinement.

1930s-1950s

The golden age of martinis

The 1930s-1950s marked the golden age of martinis. This period saw the martini rise to prominence as one of the most popular and glamorous cocktails. It became a symbol of sophistication, elegance, and the cocktail culture of the time. The martini was often portrayed in movies and literature, further cementing its cultural impact and association with the 'tuxedo and evening gown' lifestyle.

1990s

Revival of the classic Martini

In the 1990s, there was a resurgence of interest in classic cocktails, leading to a revived appreciation for the traditional Martini. Mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts embraced the simplicity and elegance of the original gin and vermouth Martini recipe, with many bars offering a wide selection of premium gins and vermouths to elevate the drink even further.

1990s

Martini Renaissance and Variations

In the 1990s, there was a martini renaissance, as bartenders began experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. Variations such as the Appletini, Espresso Martini, and Chocolate Martini gained popularity, expanding the martini's range beyond the classic gin and vermouth combination.

1990s-present

Martini variations and resurgence

In the 1990s, the martini experienced a resurgence in popularity. Bartenders and mixologists started experimenting with various flavors and ingredients, leading to the creation of numerous martini variations. These variations included fruity martinis, chocolate martinis, and even savory martini twists. The martini became a versatile and customizable cocktail, appealing to a wider range of tastes and preferences.

Did you know?

Did you know that the famous fictional British spy James Bond is known for his preference for martinis? He famously orders a 'Vodka Martini, shaken, not stirred.' Whether you prefer your martinis shaken or stirred, just remember to enjoy them responsibly!