Despite its unknown origin, the Martini continues to grow in popularity with drinkers young and old. Older drinkers enjoy the Classic Martini while young drinkers are trying many of the new, hip flavors and varieties of the Martini. Either way the Martini is a great cocktail that will not disappoint.
Martini History and Origin Theories
Even with its celebrated reputation, the Classic Martini’s origin is unknown. The Martini’s history is vague and mysterious with several plausible theories about its creation. The theories behind the Martini’s history are curious and captivating with multiple people claiming to have invented one of the most recognized cocktails of all time. Although there are many theories on the Martini’s History, this article includes the most prevalent.
Jerry Thomas Martini Theory
Jerry “Professor” Thomas was a legendary bartender who worked at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco, California. Thomas was known for mixing spectacular concoctions and creating new cocktails. Jerry Thomas is considered by many to be the father of mixology. He wrote the very first bartending book, How to Mix Drinks, in 1862 and it was published in 1887.
In 1850, a traveler en route to Martinez stopped by the bar for a drink. He tossed a gold nugget on the bar and asked Thomas to make him something special. Thomas mixed a cocktail containing Old Tom Gin, Vermouth, Bitters, and Maraschino. He called it a “Martinez” because of the traveler’s destination. The Martinez was included in Jerry Thomas’s book.
Martinez California Martini Theory
In 1870 a gold prospector struck it rich mining gold. To celebrate the miner went to Julio Richelieu’s Saloon for Champagne. The bar was completely out of Champagne so the bartender mixed up a special cocktail. Richelieu gave the miner a small cocktail with an olive in the glass. He called it the Martinez after the California town.
Martini and Rossi Martini Theory
Martini and Rossi was created out of the partnership between two Italian men, Alessandro Martini and Luigi Rossi. The men worked in the production and sales of wines, vermouth, and liqueurs. In 1863 Martini and Rossi created the Martini Rosso Dry Vermouth. They began exporting the vermouth all over the world. Upon its arrival to the United States, a creative bartender mixed the vermouth with gin and called it a Martini.
Knickerbocker Hotel Martini Theory
Martini di Arma di Taggia was the head bartender for the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York, New York. In 1911 Martini concocted a new cocktail using gin, vermouth, and orange bitters. He chilled the ingredients on ice and strained into a chilled glass. He named the drink Martini after his first name. Visitors to the hotel asked for variations and added the olive.
Whether the Classic Martini’s history began with a thirsty traveler on his way to Martinez, California, two Italian entrepreneurs, or a bartender at the Knickerbocker Hotel, the Martini remains one of the most recognized and popular cocktails worldwide.
References
Martini History Retrieved January 8, 2010
Martini Origin Retrieved January 7, 2010
Amanda-Makenzie Braedyn - Amanda-Makenzie Braedyn has been working in the communications field for 10 years. Amanda-Makenzie holds a Bachelor of Science in ...
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