You can tell that Americans love celebrating cocktails, because there are so many holidays, like National Martini Day, that celebrate the diverse variety of alcoholic beverages we know and love today. 

National Martini Day is certainly one of those holidays that you’ll want to sit back and sip on a delicious cocktail with. So today, we’re going to chat about the different types of martinis, the history of the martini, and go over several martini recipes you can use to mix up the most delicious way to celebrate this fantastic holiday. Let’s dive right in.

What Is a Martini?

A martini is an incredibly popular cocktail typically made with gin and vermouth, garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. It is known for its elegance and simplicity. The classic martini consists of gin and dry vermouth mixed together in a specific ratio and then chilled or stirred with ice. The drink is typically served in a stemmed cocktail glass, also known as a martini glass.

There are variations of the martini that have emerged over time. For example, a vodka martini is made using vodka instead of gin, and some people prefer a “dirty” martini, which includes a small amount of olive brine for added flavor. Additionally, martinis can be garnished with various ingredients like cocktail onions or even a lemon zest twist. However, we’ll go over all of this in more detail later on.

What’s the History of the Martini?

The history of the martini is, unfortunately, a subject of debate and speculation, with various theories and anecdotes surrounding its origins. While the exact origin remains uncertain, here is a general overview of the history of the martini:

Early Origins of the Martini

The precursor to the martini is believed to be a cocktail called the “Martinez,” which emerged in the mid-19th century. The Martinez was made with a combination of gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters. It is often considered a bridge between early cocktails and the modern martini.

Evolution of the Name “Martini”

The transition from the “Martinez” to the “martini” occurred gradually, with the latter name appearing in the late 19th century. One theory suggests that the name “martini” was inspired by the popularity of Martini & Rossi vermouth, while others attribute it to the drink’s association with the Martini & Henry rifle. It is also believed that the name could be derived from the Martini di Arma di Taggia, an Italian vermouth brand.

Regardless of the drink’s origins, the martini is a fantastic cocktail – so fantastic, in fact, that it’s James Bond’s drink of choice.

What Does James Bond Have to Do With the Martini?

James Bond, the fictional spy created by British author Ian Fleming, has played a significant role in popularizing the martini. In the James Bond novels and films, the character of James Bond is known for his suave and sophisticated personality, as well as his preference for a very specific style of martini.

In the 1953 novel “Casino Royale,” Ian Fleming introduced the famous line, “A dry martini. Shaken, not stirred.” This phrase quickly became synonymous with James Bond and his refined taste in cocktails. In the books and subsequent film adaptations, James Bond frequently orders his martinis in this manner, creating an enduring association between the character and the drink.

The popularity of James Bond films, which started in the 1960s, only served to further the martini’s association with the character. As Bond became a pop culture icon, his preference for a martini became widely known and imitated. The “shaken, not stirred” martini became a symbol of sophistication, elegance, and a touch of adventure!

When Is National Martini Day?

National Martini Day is celebrated on June 19th each year. It is a day dedicated to honoring and enjoying the classic martini cocktail. On this day, martini enthusiasts and cocktail lovers around the world raise a glass to celebrate the iconic drink and its enduring popularity. It’s a great opportunity to try different variations of the martini or to simply enjoy a classic martini in all its elegance. 

Here are the next few days of the week for upcoming National Martini Days:

• National Martini Day 2023: Monday
• National Martini Day 2024: Wednesday
• National Martini Day 2025: Thursday
• National Martini Day 2026: Friday
• National Martini Day 2027: Saturday

What’s the History of National Martini Day?

The exact origins and history of National Martini Day are unclear. It appears to be a relatively modern observance that has gained popularity over time. The celebration of National Martini Day is likely a result of the enduring popularity of the martini as a classic cocktail and its association with sophistication and elegance, and we aren’t complaining about that!

While the specific history of National Martini Day remains elusive, it has become a recognized occasion for martini lovers worldwide to come together and enjoy this timeless cocktail. So, grab yourself a martini glass, and let’s drink to that!

How to Make a Classic Martini

Are you ready to mix up your own martini to celebrate National Martini Day with? To make a classic martini, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:

Martini Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 ounces (75 ml) gin
• 1/2 ounce (15 ml) dry vermouth
• Ice cubes
• Lemon twist or olive for garnish

Equipment for Making a Classic Martini:

• Mixing glass or cocktail shaker
• Bar spoon or cocktail stirrer
• Strainer
• Martini glass

Classic Martini Recipe:

1. Chill the martini glass: Place the martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice and water while you prepare the cocktail. Chilling the glass helps to keep the martini cold.
2. Add ice to mixing glass: Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice cubes. This will be used to chill and dilute the ingredients.
3. Add gin and vermouth: Pour 2 1/2 ounces (75 ml) of gin and 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of dry vermouth into the mixing glass.
4. Stir or shake: Using a bar spoon or cocktail stirrer, stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds to properly blend the ingredients. Alternatively, you can shake the mixture in a cocktail shaker for about 10-15 seconds if you prefer a slightly different texture. However, shaking may introduce more air and ice melt, which can dilute the drink.
5. Strain into a martini glass: Remove the ice from the martini glass and strain the mixture from the mixing glass into the chilled martini glass. Use a strainer to catch any ice or debris.
6. Garnish: Add a garnish to your martini. You can either twist a lemon peel over the glass to release the oils and drop it in, or place an olive on a cocktail pick and place it in the martini.
7. Serve and enjoy: Your classic martini is now ready to be served. Enjoy it while it’s still cold and savor the flavors!

The Different Types of Martinis

There are several variations and spin-offs of the classic martini, so you should easily be able to find one that suits your personal preferences. Here are some popular types of martinis!

The Dry Martini

Also known as the “classic martini,” this is the traditional recipe with a clean, crisp taste. Ratios vary from about 4:1 to 5:1 for gin to vermouth and can be garnished with citrus or olives.

The Vodka Martini

This modern twist on the classic martini swaps gin for vodka, delivering a clean and sophisticated taste. The Vodka Martini embraces versatility, allowing for a multitude of flavor profiles and creative expressions.

To make a vodka martini, you’ll need to first mix 2 ½ oz vodka and ½ oz dry vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. This drink can be shaken, too, but it will change the texture. Strain into a chilled martini glass, then garnish with citrus or an olive.

A “Dirty” Martini

The only difference between a regular martini and a “dirty” martini is the addition of some type of juice that pairs with your garnish. For example, if you’re garnishing your vodka martini with lemon peel, add some fresh lemon juice, too. Or, if you’re garnishing with an olive, add a splash of olive brine from the jar.

The “Gibson” Martini

This is a variation on the martini that substitutes the olive garnish with a cocktail onion. It adds a slightly different flavor profile and a touch of sweetness to your drink. Try this in both the gin and vodka martinis to see what you like best.

The Apple Martini or “Appletini”

This fruity variation on the martini incorporates apple schnapps or apple-flavored vodka for a sweeter and fruit-forward taste. Here’s how to make one for yourself:

In a cocktail shaker with ice, shake 2 oz vodka, 1 oz sour apple schnapps, ½ oz lemon juice, and ½ oz simple syrup. Shake for about 10-15 seconds to mix thoroughly, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a slice of apple on the rim or floating in the drink. Enjoy!

And Many More Delicious Twists:

There are so many different twists and takes on the classic martini, and, while they are delicious, they certainly give the martini a whole different meaning. Since the classic martini is crisp, clean, and mostly neutral, it can be difficult to call drinks like the espresso martini and chocolate martini a martini at all. 

However, if you’re looking for something with more flavor and a bit of excitement, there are certainly plenty for you to try your hand at.

How to Make the Best Martinis

Crafting a martini Bond would be proud of is an art form that requires precision and technique. Whether you prefer the classic gin martini or its vodka counterpart, here are a few key pointers to help you create the best martinis:

1. Use quality ingredients. The foundation of a great martini lies in the quality of the ingredients. We recommend choosing locally crafted spirits when possible – they will be more sustainable and usually more delicious!
2. Use fresh ingredients. When crafting classic martinis, fresh ingredients will really shine. We also recommend choosing organic citrus so that you can use peels without being concerned about pesticides.
3. Stir or shake. There is actually a big difference between stirred and shaken martinis – there’s a reason Bond makes that distinction. Try your martinis both ways and see what you prefer!
4. Pay attention to detail. There’s more to a cocktail than just the ratios. Placing garnishes with care and using the right glassware enhances the whole experience!

How to Find Locally Crafted Spirits for National Martini Day

Here at Distillery Nearby, we know that high-quality, local spirits will elevate your cocktail making and drinking experience. However, finding local distilleries can sometimes be difficult. This is why we created our online distillery directory – here, you can very easily identify which distilleries are near you. Simply click on your state and browse the listings until you find something near you!

From all of us at Distillery Nearby,

Happy National Martini Day!