The original, classic and timeless cocktail that all other martinis were born from.
Vodka Martinis, Apple Martinis, Espresso Martinis, Vesper Martinis, Dirty Martinis… according to Chef Todd English, none of those drinks are Martinis. Only one is, and that is the Gin Martini. When we think of any kind of Martini, we usually have visions of formal wear, elegance, caviar and sleek, shiny cars. If I’m at home and sipping on the ice cold cocktail, I always feel incredibly sophisticated. Even in my Pac-Man pajamas.
Who created the Gin Martini? Who drank that first that very first ice cold sip, cocked an eyebrow and whispered “perfect”? With something that has become as iconic as this drink, I assumed it could easily be traced back to one person or place. Once again, the history of a famous cocktail has an unreliable history. It’s almost as if the people involved had been drinking.
The most popular legend around the Gin Martini’s birth revolves around the Gold Rush in the late 1800’s. In Martinez, California, a grizzled Forty-Niner came bursting into the local saloon, dancing and hollering about he struck gold and hit it rich. To celebrate, he asked the bartender, one “Professor” Jerry Thomas, for champagne. All out of bubbly, the barkeep instead whipped up a potion that had Old Tom Gin, vermouth, bitters and maraschino. The old miner loved it and named it The Martini after the town. He took the recipe to San Francisco with him where its popularity flourished and grew worldwide. Even the details of this story are disputed, with some claiming the drink was actually invented in San Francisco by Jerry Thomas, who named it after the town the old miner was heading to, that being Martinez.
Sometimes I wish I had a time machine, so I could find that exact moment in history when the Gin Martini was gifted to the world. Most times, though, I just make one and wonder.
Shaken or stirred?
When we think of Martinis, we often hear that famous phrase in our head: “Shaken, not stirred”. When making this classic cocktail, there is only one right way to mix it, according to bartenders and cocktail experts the world over: Stir it. Shaking will bruise the gin and dilute the potency of the cocktail, taking much of the flavor away. Make sure you use the bottom end of the mixing spoon while gently stirring, so you don’t break up the ice and release just the right amount of water.
What is the best gin to use in a Gin Martini?
Many cocktails often have flexibility when it comes to what you use. But for this drink, I’m going to be very strict. We are making a famous drink after all, so we better get it right. Find a good premium London Dry gin for this one. I like a juniper-forward gin, the taste mixes well with a good dry vermouth’s floral profile, making for a really crisp and savory experience.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 ounces gin
- 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
- 1 dash orange or aromatic bitters optional
- Lemon twist or 1 or 3 olives for garnish
Instructions
- Start by placing your cocktail glass in the freezer to chill.
- In a mixing glass brimming with ice cubes, pour the gin and dry vermouth. Gently stir for 30 seconds.
- Strain into your chilled cocktail glass. You can add a dash of bitters for a more subtle taste (optional).
- Garnish with a lemon twist or olives. If you’re using olives, remember that an even number is considered bad luck so stick with one or three.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
For a classic Gin Martini you only use a Martini glass (or maybe a big champagne goblet). Since you want your drink ice cold, either chill your glass for up to fifteen minutes ahead of time in the freezer or fill the glass with ice, then dump that out before pouring. The garnish is where you can really add some different finish touches to customize your drink. I prefer a twist of lemon, which really brings out the citrus in the cocktail. You can also do your Gibson-style with onions, or go the more traditional route with olives.
This is a cocktail that you can mix together in larger batches, bottle and store in the freezer for months, ensuring that you always have an ice cold drink ready to pour. Long storage, however, can affect the taste over time.
As gin is one of the spirits that are lighter in calories than others, the Gin Martini has about 180 per drink. Just make sure you watch how many you have. They might not be that heavy, but they are strong.
It does! June 19th is observed as National Martini Day or World Martini Day
as it is sometimes called. I never got the day off from school for it, so I can’t really say how popular it is outside of cocktail enthusiasts.
I’ve shaken a few different Martinis in my day, and I like it. But with a Gin Martini, stirring the drink will make the flavors pop more and give the cocktail a smooth, velvety texture that is missing when you shake it. If you order any Martini at a bar, they’re usually served stirred unless you ask for it shaken.
Gin Martini Variations
If the Gin Martini has wetted your whistle for more, Twist and Toast has ‘Tini for every taste and occasion. Check out a few them and try them out!
- Tequila Martini – I write about this Southwestern-styled take on the stylish drink, using tequila in place of gin.
- Espresso Martini – Learn how to make the cocktail of the moment with this delicious recipe.
- Vesper Martini – Not only did author Ian Fleming create a timeless character, James Bond, in the novel Casino Royale, he also created a timeless cocktail as well.
- Lemon Drop Martini – Like your drinks sweet and tart? Get the best of both with this refreshing recipe.
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