The Martini cocktail is more than just a mix of gin and vermouth: it’s an icon. Elegant, minimalist, timeless. It’s the drink of noir films, gala nights, classic novels, and sophisticated characters. But what’s the real story behind the Martini cocktail? Who invented it? And how did its classic recipe—so simple yet so mysterious—come to be?
In this article, we explore the history of the Martini cocktail, trying to separate fact from legend and discover how this drink became one of the symbols of the art of mixology.
The Origins of the Martini Cocktail: Between the Old West and New York
The origin of the Martini is uncertain and, as often happens with classic cocktails, shrouded in mystery. There are two main stories that claim its invention.
The Martinez Theory, California
One of the most popular stories claims the Martini evolved from the Martinez, a cocktail first made in the town of the same name in California during the Gold Rush. According to this legend, a gold miner walked into a saloon and asked for something special to celebrate his fortune.
The bartender, Julio Richelieu, allegedly mixed gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters, garnished it with an olive, and served it. That drink went down in history as the Martinez, and over time it evolved into the drier Dry Martini we know today.
The New York Connection: The Knickerbocker Hotel
Another theory places the invention of the Martini in New York, in the elegant lounges of the Knickerbocker Hotel at the turn of the 20th century. There, a bartender from Arma di Taggia named Martini—his actual name, not a reference to the brand—is said to have refined a minimal and elegant version of the drink, replacing sweet vermouth with dry vermouth and cutting down the sugar content.
Although there’s no definitive proof, this version is quite popular among mixology historians.
Dry Martini: The Evolution of Simplicity
The version we now recognize as the Dry Martini was born from this progressive reduction: less vermouth, more gin. Its dry and bold flavor gained popularity in the 1920s and ’30s, a time when cocktails became symbols of status, elegance, and rebellion (think of the Prohibition era).
The Martini thus became the king of cocktail bars: always served in a stemmed glass, with or without an olive, but always with style.
The Martini and the Movies: A Pop Icon
The Martini found its ultimate consecration through cinema. It’s impossible not to think of James Bond when mentioning this cocktail. Although technically, Agent 007 drinks a Vesper, a mix of gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet, made famous by the line: “Shaken, not stirred.”
The Martini—whether classic or reinvented—has appeared in countless films, from Double Indemnity to Mad Men, and Sex and the City with its various fruit-flavored Martinis. In all cases, it’s associated with elegance, charm, and sophistication.
Original Martini Cocktail Recipe
Over time, the Martini recipe has been progressively simplified. While early versions may have included syrups or bitters, today the classic Dry Martini is prepared as follows:
- 6 cl of gin
- 1 cl of dry vermouth
- Ice
- Green olive or lemon twist for garnish
It’s a simple cocktail to make at home and is prepared in a mixing glass with plenty of ice. Stir to chill thoroughly, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. The olive or lemon peel is the final touch.
Many variations have emerged over the years: from the Dirty Martini (with olive brine) to the Vodka Martini, preferred by those who dislike juniper.
Martini: Gin or Vodka?
One of the most common questions among beginners is this: is a Martini made with gin or vodka? For purists, the answer is clear: the original Martini is gin-based. The vodka version is a more recent adaptation, made famous largely by cinema.
Gin gives the cocktail its botanical structure, while vodka results in a softer, more neutral taste. It’s a matter of personal preference, but when it comes to a true Dry Martini, the answer is: gin all the way.
The Role of Vermouth: How Much to Use?
Another key element is the vermouth ratio. Throughout the history of the Martini, this proportion has steadily decreased. In the early 1900s, it was one part vermouth to two parts gin. Today, ratios range from 5:1 to extremely dry versions where vermouth is merely “passed” over the ice or spritzed into the glass.
In bartender slang, we talk about:
- Wet Martini: more vermouth (e.g. 3:1)
- Dry Martini: classic ratio of 6:1 or less
- Extra Dry: minimal vermouth, often just a drop
- Bone Dry: gin only—technically outside the definition, but loved by the bold
The Martini Today: Between Modern Mixology and a Return to the Classics
In contemporary mixology, the Martini is experiencing a second golden age, especially popular during aperitivo hours in Italy. Bartenders around the world are reinventing it with artisanal gins, local vermouths, aromatic infusions, and advanced techniques. But there’s also a strong movement back to the classic Martini, made with historical respect and the highest-quality ingredients.
More and more venues now offer Martini Hours or even full menus dedicated to the king of cocktails. In a world where excess often reigns, the Martini remains an exercise in style, balance, and restraint.
Where to Enjoy a Perfect Martini in Naples
If reading this story has inspired you to try a perfectly crafted Martini, we have just the place for you. In central Naples, there’s a spot where cocktails aren’t just drinks—they’re an experience: KarmaCore, our cockytail bar.
Here, the Martini takes center stage, reimagined with respect for tradition and a touch of daring creativity. Whether you like it Dry, Dirty, or with a twist, at KarmaCore you’ll find attention to detail, premium ingredients, and the perfect atmosphere to enjoy it.
Book a table at KarmaCore online and come visit us in the heart of Naples’ historic center. At KarmaCore, the Martini just hits different.
