Martini History

Dr. Cork

Martini History

Bitters

Gin

Vermouth

The fascinating 150+ year history of the Martini: from the sweet Martinez-style of the 1880s, through the ultra-dry 1950s versions, to the modern Dirty Martini craze. Watch as we mix three historical variations step-by-step: the original 19th-century sweet Martini, the classic dry 1950s Martini, and an extra dirty modern take.

Ingredients

Martini (Original 1888 Harry Johnson recipe)

2 oz. / 60 ml Old Tom gin
2 oz. / 60 ml Sweet Vermouth
1 tsp / ~5 ml Gomme syrup (or rich simple syrup 2:1)
2–3 dashes Boker's bitters (or Angostura bitters)
1 dash Orange Curacao (e.g., Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao)
Garnish with Cocktail cherry and expressed Lemon twist
Stir with ice, strain into chilled Cocktail glass

Dry Martini (1950s Classic)
2½ oz. / 75 ml Dry Gin
½ oz. / 15 ml Dry Vermouth
2 dashes Orange bitters (optional)
Garnish with Lemon peel
Stir with ice, strain into chilled Nick & Nora or Martini glass

Extra Dirty Martini (2020s style)

2 oz. / 60 ml Gin (slightly sweeter or Old Tom style recommended)
½ oz. / 15 ml Dry Vermouth
½ oz. / 15 ml Olive brine (or up to 1 oz. / 30 ml for extra dirty; can experiment with MSG/savory additions)
Garnish with 2–3 olives on a skewer
Shake with ice, fine strain into chilled Martini glass