Have you ever tried something so delicious that you suddenly can’t get enough? We’ve been lucky enough to have such an encounter with a strikingly memorable Martini. It turns out we’re not the only ones hooked on this classy cocktail. Back in the 1920s, the famous journalist H.L. Mencken had called the Martini, “The only American invention as perfect as the sonnet.” Charlotte’s Webb author E.B. White described the drink as “The elixir of quietude.”
To express our admiration and inspiration, we set out to craft a few variations on this classic so you can explore your love for this beautifully simple cocktail any time of the day you choose. Read on to discover a martini for each meal; breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
But, before we share some different ways to enjoy a Martini, let’s take a quick trip back in time and discover the cocktail’s shadowy beginnings. As with most of the classics, the Martini has a controversial past with multiple potential origin myths. Perhaps the most popular one tells how the Martini evolved from another classic favorite, the Martinez, in the late 19th century.
In this version of the story, we head back in time to a little town called Martinez, California. In the late 1800s, there was a bartender by the name of Julio Richelieu. According to a simple plaque posted at the corner of Masonic and Alhambra Ave in the town of Martinez, Julio created the drink on the spot for a miner looking to pay for his drink with a fistful of gold nuggets. The drink was called the Martinez, but after 2 or 3 of them, the pronunciation changes, as the tongue loses the ability to pronounce ‘z’s, and thus, Martinez becomes Martini.
Or instead, we look west, this time to San Francisco. Another city, another story, but like the variations on martini recipes, the core elements remain the same, but we change the mixers and the garnish. We still have a bartender, but this time by the name of Jerry Thomas. The thirsty miner is back again, ready to pay with a handful of gold. Jerry calls his drink the Martinez, a name chosen on the spot. History is best written down, and Jerry cements his historic claim to fame by being the very first to publish the Martinez recipe in the late 1800s. In his book “Bartender’s Guide, How to Mix All Kinds of Plain and Fancy Drinks,” his recipe for Martinez has similar components to a Martini: Old Tom gin, sweet vermouth, and Boker’s bitters.
They say this codified cocktail was the inspiration for the Martini.
But that’s a different drink! Regardless of the Martinez recipe’s origins, the first written recipe for the Martini is in O.H. Bryson’s 1884 cocktail book “The Modern Bartender.” Some say the drink is based on the Manhattan, and not the Martinez after all. Others say the Martini and the Manhattan were contemporaries, but have nothing to do with each other.
Towards the end of the 19th century, many similar cocktails started appearing in numerous bartending guides. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century, however, that the cocktail became enormously popular. With endorsements from celebrities and fictional characters in films (yeah, we’re talking about James Bond), the cocktail has become a staple in nearly any bar. It has become so popular that the glassware used to serve the concoction is now forever known as the Martini glass.
The ratio of gin to vermouth has changed over time. Generally, it’s 2:1 with the optional addition of aromatic bitters. However, we’ve found several ways you can enjoy it any time of the day, every day. Be warned, drink moderately and responsibly.
If you’re looking for gin, head on to our Shop to check out the different bundles we have put together for you! Perfect for staying in and enjoying Martinis all day long!
Martini in the Morning
Looking for a remarkable way to celebrate a week finally finished? Start the weekend with a breakfast martini! The right recipe can help the Martini shake off its refined evening wear and greet the morning in a relaxed tropical style.
Breakfast Martini
Ingredients
45ml Paper Lantern Gin
15ml triple sec
30ml pineapple juice
1 tablespoon pineapple jam
Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill and combine. Double (fine) strain into a coupe glass.
Espresso Martini
45ml Paper Lantern Gin
20ml St. George NOLA Coffee Liqueur
20ml Espresso Shot
20ml Honey (or to taste)
Garnish: Shaved Dark Chocolate
Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake. Fine strain into a chilled coupe glass. Shave some dark chocolate on top. Enjoy with more chocolate on the side
Martini Afternoon Delight
No room for dessert? Perhaps a drink instead. We can easily forgo dessert and indulge in this cocktail. We love this with some dark chocolate on the side. A great afternoon pick-me-up!
martini in the evenings
Let’s keep the evenings classy, even in pajamas. But after a long day, your drink needs to be simple. For those who lean more traditional, go for the classic straight-up, or, for those who crave a saltier bite, try the dirty.
Classic Martini (Dry)
60ml Paper Lantern Gin
20ml Mancino Secco Vermouth (Reduce by 5-10ml to make it super dry)
2 Orange Bitters
Garnish: orange twist or orange twist discard, olive
Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with an orange twist or olive
Dirty Martini
75ml Paper Lantern
15ml Dry vermouth
7ml-14ml Olive juice (to taste)
Garnish: 1 to 3 olives
In a mixing glass filled with ice, pour Paper Lantern Gin, dry vermouth, and olive juice. Stir well, for at least 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with one or three olives.
