The martini has been a favorite of drinkers for over a century, although the exact origin of the drink has never been definitively pinpointed. Recipes as far back as the 1860's make mention of the martini, and there is no shortage of individuals claiming to have "invented" what has become one of the world's most popular mixed drinks. It is however, generally accepted that the drink is almost certainly an American concoction. American writers, in particular, played a vital role in creating the mystique and aura surrounding the martini. Noted authors such as H.L Mencken, E.B. White and John O'Hara extolled the virtues and pleasures of the martini, and one of the more famous references came from Ian Fleming's James Bond's 007's "shaken not stirred" instructions for preparing his martini. Many noted 20th Century historical figures have become associated with the martini; U.S. Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Richard Nixon, authors Truman Capote and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Besides Bond, other fictional characters linked to the martini include Captains Pierce and Hunnicutt from the television program M*A*S*H, and ace detective Nick Charles of the Thin Man radio and movie series.
There are countless variations of the martini; the standard mixture being gin and dry vermouth. However, almost any distilled beverage can serve as a martini's base ingredient. Gin, vodka, rum, tequila, sake, brandy, bourbon, liquors and even wine can be used to concoct a martini.
Latest Post from the Martini Blog
The Pomegranate Martini: A New Millenium Fountian of Youth
The pomegranate martini stormed the bar scene like an assault on Troy. It has become the favorite alcoholic elixir of the new millennium. It does not matter if you are sauntering up to an indie bar in Greenwich Village or sitting down for a $9.99 entree at a chain restaurant in the suburbs, the drink [...]
martini anytime
- Pomegranate Martini Even Oprah raves about the Pomegranate Martini - and after just one sip, you'll know why!
- Dirty Martini A tried and tested dirty martini - for all you cool cats...
- Vodka Martini A classic martini with a vodka twist.
- Cranberry Martini An innovative twist on the old Cosmopolitan, this Cranberry Martini is what's fine in 2009!!
- Basil Martini Add a touch of the exotic to your martini, then lie back and remember those long, balmy nights when...
- Spicy Jalapeno Martini This jalapeno, ginger & lemongrass infused martini will knock your socks off and rock your world!!
- Balsamic Vinegar Martini Recipe This martini is completely different to any other you have tried. Don't knock the idea of a vinegar vodka based martini until you have tried it, some of you will love it, and some of you won't!
- Dirty Martini Video We came across this video of a dirty martini being made, and had to try it right away. It is great twist on the old classic martini.
- Breakfast Martini Recipe This sensational breakfast martini recipe is guaranteed to take the sharp edge off any hazy morning after the night before...
- Watermelon Martini This watermelon martini recipe is equally at home on the beach or in a bar.
- Chocolate Martini Shot All the benefits of a chocolate martini prepared in a fraction of the time.
- Apple Martini Recipe An apple martini recipe with a mouthwatering measure of melon.
- Coconut Pineapple Martini If your tastes run towards the sweet variety of drinks, then perhaps you will want to try a coconut pineapple martini.
martini anywhere
- Classic Martini Recipe A simple, classic martini for any occasion.
- Apple Martini The apple martini, otherwise known as the appletini, exploded on the mixologist scene in the late 1990s. Sample this apple martini with an ounce of bite!
- Dry Martini For those who prefer a dry martini, this will pucker your lips!
- Blue Martini A sexy and smooth blue martini recipe...
- Chocolate Martini Recipe Not much tops this delicious chocolate martini.
- Lemon Drop Martini Indulge your senses with this luscious lemon drop martini!
- Strawberry Martini Recipe A strawberry sensation with bite that will have you coming back for more.
- Vanilla Martini Recipe Vanilla lovers will really enjoy the flavor of this great martini.
- Saketini - Sake Martini Recipe Ever wanted to try the trendy saketini? Here is your chance to try the new Japanese martini.
- Chocolate Mint Martini A sensational chocolate mint martini recipe that you'll keep for ever.
- Lemon Drop Martini #2 This luscious lemon drop martini recipe is sweet and sour and full of flavour.
- Dirty Vodka Martini Get down and dirty with this dirty vodka martini.
- Sweet Martini The perfect martini for those who like things a bit sweeter...
- Chocolate Martini Deluxe For serious chocolate lovers, this chocolate martini deluxe recipe is the BEST!
- Blue Bikini Martini Recipe Make yourself this brilliant blue bikini recipe and beat the blues!
- Blue Martini Recipe #2 The blue martini with bite!
- Key Lime Martini Enjoy the taste of summer with this key lime martini.
- Eggnog Martini 'Tis the season to enjoy this delightful eggnog martini cheer!
- Valentine Martini A spectacular Valentine's Day martini!