No cocktail is as iconic, polarizing, or deeply ingrained in popular culture as the Martini. Its V-shaped silhouette is universally recognized as the symbol for 'cocktail'.
However, the Martini we know today—bone-dry, icy cold, and often made with vodka—is vastly different from the drink that first bore the name in the late 19th century.
From Sweet to Dry
The earliest ancestors of the Martini, such as the Martinez, were actually quite sweet. They called for Old Tom gin (a sweetened style of gin), sweet Italian vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters. As palates evolved and drier London Dry gins became available, the recipe shifted towards dry French vermouth.
Over the 20th century, the ratio of gin to vermouth grew increasingly skewed. While early recipes called for equal parts, by the mid-century, a 'Dry Martini' meant 4:1 or 5:1. Legend has it that Winston Churchill preferred his Martini by simply glancing at a bottle of vermouth from across the room.
The Ultimate Personal Cocktail
Today, ordering a Martini is an exercise in personal preference. Gin or Vodka? Shaken or stirred? Olive or twist? Wet, dry, or dirty? It is a drink that demands precision and reflects the exact mood and taste of the drinker, making it the ultimate timeless classic.