A glamorous cocktail classic, the Martini has cemented its status as an iconic drink thanks to its presence in pop culture history and its almost endless variations. And while martini trends may come and go (the espresso martini is currently having a moment), the classic mix of gin and vermouth garnished with an olive is a recipe that has been shown to stand the test of time. In honor of our cocktail of the month, here are five ways the martini has made its mark.
- Shaken, not stirred. James Bond’s Vesper martini (gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet) was invented by author Ian Fleming, who introduced it in his 1953 novel “Casino Royale.” Purists, however, reject the shaken idea, believing it dilutes the drink.
- Getting dirty. The phrase the “dirty” martini didn’t rise in popularity until the 1980s, but the idea of adding olive brine took hold back in the early 1900s. An early fan of the salty addition? None other than President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
- Drink up. Believe it or not, the martini glass predates the drink itself, with the recognizable V-shape being employed for more than a few drinks thanks to its ability to keep beverages the perfect temperature.
- Top it off. Though the olive is closely associated as a topper, martinis are also often garnished with lemon to add a zest from the citrus oil. Want to swap the olive for a pickled onion? Now you have a Gibson.
- Supporting character. Even beyond Bond’s famous order, the martini has shown up in some of our most beloved classics. Authors like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald described the drink in their acclaimed works, films such as “The Godfather” and “Casablanca” featured the cocktail and TV favorites like “Arrested Development” and “Will & Grace” employed martinis for comic relief.
Thirsty? Try the Club’s own takes on the martini: Go Classic with gin, vermouth-scented green olives or lemon peel, or try a Twist thanks to cucumber-infused gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and orange bitters.
