The Martini: Alcohol-Drinking Culture

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Hailed as one of the most American cocktails, the Martini has been present in the alcohol-drinking culture for over a century and continues to reign strong. Though the history contains many claims of creation, the classic Martini is a bar staple for businessmen and housewives alike. Many versions of the Martini are available on the market today, but the classic is one that is not heard of as much in present day. The origin of the Martini is a rather unclear one, with many variations of its creation from all over the world. To have one country claim it would cause outrage in another that proudly claims it. One of the most popular beliefs of origin lies in the small, California town of Martinez during the Gold Rush. Highly acclaimed by historians, …show more content…

Purists, however, view these variations as “what happened when siblings marry” drinks that are “unique” but have “horrifying mutations” (Barnes). They usually follow the classic martini recipe, adding some sort of fruity flavor to the mix. The Imperial is the normal recipe with the addition of maraschino for a cherry flavor in the drink. Adding crème de menthe to the classic recipe results in a drink known as the Caruso. The Tuxedo is a gin, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, anise, and bitters mixture often associated with chicness. A Will Rogers Cocktail is a martini with curacao and orange juice added. There a several variations of different spirited Martinis, such as adding Vodka to Campari to get a Campari Cocktail and a Metropolitan; a brandy Martini with Grand Marnier and Dubonnet Rouge. As for the commonly known flavored Martinis, Appletinis are vodka Martinis with some sort of apple flavoring ingredient. An espresso martini is one made from vodka, espresso, and chocolate. …show more content…

“Flavorful and refreshing,” gin can be used in a variety of ways to make a lot of different drinks. (Gincocktails.net) The Red Snapper, for example, is like the Vesper to Martinis. It is a Bloody Mary, only instead of vodka, gin is substituted instead. Another drink, called a Bennett Cocktail is also known as an Old Tom Gin which contained gin, bitters, and fresh lime juice with a simple syrup. The Bronx cocktail is one from pre-Prohibition times and is composed of gin, sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, and orange juice, shaken and served strained. Another drink “tantalizingly bitter and slightly syrupy” is the Negroni. Containing one ounce of gin, one ounce of sweet vermouth, and one ounce Campari, it is stirred and strained, then garnished with an orange twist.

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