Martini

The Martini has a spirit-forward, herbal, bitter flavor profile. The Martini is arguably the most iconic cocktail ever created, with origins debated between San Francisco and New York in the late 1800s. Whether you prefer it wet, dry, or dirty, the Martini is the ultimate expression of elegance in a glass. Its clean, crisp profile has made it the choice of sophisticates and secret agents alike.

A Martini requires 4 ingredients: London Dry Gin, Dry Vermouth, Orange Bitters, Lemon Twist.

A Martini takes about 3 minutes to prepare and is considered easy difficulty.

A Martini is traditionally served in a Coupe or Martini glass, garnished with Lemon twist or olive.

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Martini by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

The Martini's origin story is as murky as a dirty martini itself, with multiple cities claiming to be its birthplace in the late 1800s. The most credible tales point to either Martinez, California, where bartender Jerry Thomas allegedly created it for a gold miner heading to Martinez, or New York's Knickerbocker Hotel, where Martini di Arma di Taggia crafted it for John D. Rockefeller. Originally called the Martinez, early versions were sweeter affairs featuring Old Tom gin and sweet vermouth, garnished with orange peel. The cocktail evolved dramatically through the 20th century, becoming progressively drier as American palates shifted toward less sweet drinks. Prohibition ironically helped cement the Martini's reputation, as bathtub gin's harsh flavors were masked by vermouth and aromatics. The post-war era saw the rise of the 'very dry' Martini, with some enthusiasts merely waving the vermouth bottle over the gin. Cultural icons from Winston Churchill to Dorothy Parker immortalized the drink in popular culture, while James Bond's preference for vodka and his famous 'shaken, not stirred' directive sparked endless debate among purists who maintain that stirring is the only proper preparation method.