This simple yet elegant beauty is one cocktail that every good bartender should master. A classy choice, the classic Martini has had cocktail connoisseurs around the world fascinated for centuries. Today, a wide range of commercial drinks are often referred to as Martinis, but the true version is a simple mix of gin and dry vermouth, with either an olive or lemon twist.
The History
The exact origin of the Martini is foggy, but this sophisticated tipple has often been dubbed the most distinctly American cocktail out there, despite its fame skyrocketing thanks to British 007, James Bond. Its birthplace is believed to be California, when a miner in 1849 struck gold out on the field. To celebrate, a local bartender put together a drink with the only ingredients he had: fortified wine and gin. This potent mix has been developed and refined over time, but the simplicity still remains and it is one of the most popular cocktails in the world – certainly the one that uses the fewest ingredients.
