The origin of the classic martini dates back to the late 19th century, evolving from the sweeter, vermouth-heavy Martinez cocktail popular during the Gold Rush era. As tastes shifted toward drier drinks in the early 1900s, bartenders pared it down to its sleek modern form: gin and dry vermouth, stirred over ice and garnished with a lemon twist or olive.
By midcentury, the martini had become a cultural icon—favored by presidents, movie stars, and spies alike. James Bond’s “shaken, not stirred” line turned it into a symbol of cool sophistication, though purists still prefer the... Read more
Martini Recommendation: When selecting the spirit for a classic martini, gin is the more traditional choice, adding depth and botanical complexity, while vodka offers a smoother, cleaner variation that lets the vermouth shine.
Basic Gin Recommendations: Beefeater, Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, Bobby's
Basic Vodka Recommendations: Belvedere, Wódka, New Amsterdam, Chopin Wheat Vodka
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