June 19, 2014 is National Martini Day! Although the exact origin of the martini is unknown, this iconic drink has earned a permanent place in the pantheon of classic cocktails. The first printed recipe for a “Martinez” cocktail appeared in a bartending manual published in San Francisco in 1887. However, historians disagree over whether the beverage actually originated on the West Coast. In 1911, a New York City bartender named Martini di Arma di Taggia began serving a cocktail made with gin, vermouth, orange bitters, and an olive garnish. The martini gained widespread popularity among Manhattan socialites, and has been associated with New York ever since.
Today, 50% of all cocktails are served in a martini glass. Some of the most famous (historical and fictional) martini lovers include: John D. Rockefeller, Humphrey Bogart, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Clark Gable, Ernest Hemingway, and James Bond. Celebrate National Martini Day by enjoying a refreshing martini in the company of friends. Below is a small list of supplies you need to make martinis & a couple of popular recipes:
Supplies:
12 ounce Shaker
Strainer
Ice
Plate
Chilled Martini Glasses
Apple Martini: Fill shaker with ice, add five ounces of apple flavored vodka and two ounces of sour apple flavored schnapps or liqueur. Shake vigorously for about one minute, strain into chilled glass and garnish with cherry.
Chocolate Martini: Fill shaker with ice, add five ounces of vanilla flavored vodka, two ounces of chocolate liqueur, and one ounce of crème de cocoa. Shake vigorously for about one minute. Pour some chocolate syrup onto your plate and rim the edge of chilled glass with the syrup. Strain cocktail into glass and garnish with cherry.
Peach Martini: Fill shaker with ice, add five ounces of peach flavored vodka and two ounces of peach flavored schnapps, liqueur, or both. Shake vigorously for about one minute, strain into chilled glass and garnish with cherry.
Lemon Drop Martini: Fill shaker with ice, add five ounces of lemon or citrus flavored vodka, two ounces of sweet and sour mix or lemonade. Shake vigorously for about one minute. Pour some sugar onto your plate. Take a lemon wedge and run it around the edge of chilled glass making sure it gets all around the rim then wet edge with sugar. Strain cocktail into glass and garnish with lemon twist.
Dirty Martini: Fill shaker with ice, add six ounces of vodka or gin and one ounce of olive juice. Shake vigorously for about one minute. Pour a splash of dry vermouth into a chilled glass, swirl around covering the whole glass and pour it out. Strain cocktail into glass and garnish with an olive.
