Shaken or Stirred: A Toast to the Martini

Josie Hough
Jun 19
3 min read

Stirred, Shaken, and Celebrated

Today we raise our glasses to one of the most iconic cocktails in history: the martini. National Martini Day is the perfect excuse to sip, savor, and explore both the storied past and the stylish present of this classic drink.

A Quick Sip of History

Few cocktails carry the mystique, sophistication, and cultural clout of the martini. Whether it’s perched in the hand of James Bond or served in a sleek coupe at a rooftop bar, the martini is more than a drink—it’s a statement. But where did this iconic concoction come from, and how did it become the epitome of cocktail elegance? Let’s raise a glass and dive into the fascinating history of the martini.

The exact origins of the martini are cloudy—fitting for a drink that can be served “dirty.” Several theories trace the martini back to the mid-to-late 19th century. One popular story attributes its creation to a bartender in San Francisco who, in the 1860s, crafted a drink for a gold miner heading to the town of Martinez. That cocktail, known as the “Martinez,” was a sweeter combination of gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters. Over time, it evolved, dried out, and slimmed down into the sharper, crisper martini we know today.

Another theory connects the martini’s name to Martini & Rossi, the Italian company known for its vermouth. While we may never pin down the exact birthplace, by the early 20th century, the modern martini had emerged as a combination of gin and dry vermouth—typically garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon.

And then came the cultural boom. Thanks to James Bond, Frank Sinatra, and mid-century cocktail culture, the martini became the drink of icons—served cold, clean, and always with style.

Modern Martini Favorites

While the classic gin (or vodka) martini remains a staple, today’s martini menu has expanded far beyond the traditional. Here are a few contemporary favorites that continue to keep the martini alive, well, and endlessly delicious:

Dirty Martini

A savory twist on the original, the dirty martini adds a splash of olive brine for a salty, complex edge. It’s bold, briny, and often garnished with extra olives for good measure. I prefer mine with vodka and no vermouth.

Lemon Drop Martini

Bright, tart, and sweet, the lemon drop martini is a citrusy delight made with vodka, lemon juice, and a touch of simple syrup or triple sec. It’s usually served with a sugar rim and perfect for those who like a zingy, refreshing cocktail.

Cosmopolitan Martini

Popularized by Sex and the City, the Cosmo is a stylish mix of vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec (or Cointreau), and lime. It’s fruity, balanced, and forever fabulous.

Espresso Martini

The go-to drink for coffee lovers and late-night revivers, this martini is made with vodka, fresh espresso, and coffee liqueur. Rich, slightly sweet, and seriously energizing—it’s dessert and cocktail in one chic glass.

A Symbol of Style

The martini glass itself—wide, shallow, and elegant—is as recognizable as the drink it holds. Though not always the most spill-resistant, it’s part of the ritual and romance. The martini is more than a drink—it’s an emblem of style, simplicity, and sophistication. It has survived Prohibition, World Wars, Hollywood reinventions, and craft cocktail revolutions.

Whether you’re enjoying a dirty martini at happy hour or sipping a lemon drop with friends, today is the day to celebrate the legacy of this iconic cocktail. Host a martini tasting, explore a new twist on a favorite recipe, or visit your local favorite and order something classic with a modern spin.

Martinis may have a long and sophisticated history, but their ability to evolve and inspire new flavors is what keeps them timeless.