National Dry Martini Day

Elegantly dressed people clinking glasses, sporting classic 1920s attire, with a picturesque cityscape in the background. — National dry martini day illustration

Hey there, martini lovers! Get ready to celebrate National Dry Martini Day in style. Grab your shaker, your favorite gin, and a dash of dry vermouth because this is going to be one classy celebration.

When is Dry Martini Day?

It's national dry martini day on the 19th June.

The Origin of the Dry Martini

Legend has it that the dry martini cocktail was created in the late 19th century, but the exact origins are a bit cloudy, just like a perfectly mixed martini. Some say it was invented in San Francisco, while others believe it originated in New York City.

The classic dry martini typically consists of gin and dry vermouth, garnished with an olive or lemon twist. It's a true cocktail icon that has stood the test of time, making it a favorite among cocktail connoisseurs around the world.

National Dry Martini Day Online Buzz

We've scoured the internet, and it seems that people just can't stop talking about National Dry Martini Day. With a whopping 61 online mentions, it's clear that this day has stirred up quite the excitement. The most buzzworthy year so far was 2016 when everyone was shaking and stirring on June 19. Cheers to that!

A Statistic Worth Raising a Glass to

Here's a fun little fact to impress your friends at your National Dry Martini Day soirée. Did you know that Americans consume around 70 million gallons of gin each year? That's enough to fill a stadium or satisfy James Bond's thirst for a lifetime. Talk about a ginormous amount of gin!

History behind the term 'Dry Martini'

1860

Birth of the Martini

In the mid-19th century, a cocktail known as the Martinez was becoming popular. It was a mix of sweet vermouth, gin, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters. Some believe that the Martini evolved from this concoction. However, the exact origins are still debated among cocktail historians.

1880

The First Dry Martini

By the late 19th century, people began experimenting with the Martinez to create a drier version. In 1884, a bartender named Julio Richelieu allegedly made a drink called the "Martinez Special" at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco. This drink used dry gin instead of sweet gin, marking the first appearance of the term 'dry' in relation to the Martini.

1901

Dry Martini Recipe Published

The term 'Dry Martini' gained further recognition with the publication of a recipe in the 1901 edition of the book 'Stuart's Fancy Drinks and How to Mix Them.' The recipe called for dry gin, dry vermouth, and a dash of orange bitters, establishing the iconic dry Martini recipe that is still popular today.

1920s

Prohibition and Dry Martinis

During the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933), the production and sale of alcoholic beverages were banned. However, the demand for cocktails remained, and the Martini, including the Dry Martini, became a popular choice. People would often gather in speakeasies to enjoy a perfectly made Martini, using bathtub gin and bootlegged vermouth.

1940s

Films and the Martini Culture

The 1940s saw a rise in the popularity of Martini culture, with iconic films featuring characters like James Bond ordering his signature 'Vodka Martini, shaken, not stirred.' These films helped solidify the Martini, including the Dry Martini, as a symbol of sophistication and elegance.

1950s

The Martini Glass

The unique glassware associated with the Martini, known as the Martini glass or cocktail glass, became a staple in the 1950s. Its distinctive shape, with a long stem and a wide, triangular bowl, added to the allure and mystique of the Dry Martini.

2002

International Martini Day

In recent years, the Martini has continued to be celebrated and enjoyed worldwide. To commemorate this iconic cocktail, International Martini Day was established on June 19th. It is a day for Martini enthusiasts to indulge in their favorite variation of the classic drink, including the beloved Dry Martini.

Did you know?

Did you know that the phrase "shaken, not stirred" was popularized by the suave secret agent, James Bond? However, some cocktail purists argue that martinis should always be stirred, not shaken. So, the debate rages on. Cheers to your own preference!