10 facts about Martini that you did not know

In honor of International Martini Day (June 19), we share 10 facts about our all-time favorite gin cocktail, which is not very well known in France. 

FACT #1

The martini cocktail ≠ the red or white vermouths of the Martini & Rossi brand!

FACT #2

The cocktail was created in the late 19th century in the United States, but the exact inventor of the martini will remain a legend.

FACT #3

The ingredients of a classic martini are simple: a premium dry gin, a dry vermouth (preferably French!), and a green olive or a lemon twist for garnish.

FACT #4

Contrary to what you have heard in James Bond movies, it is better to stir the ingredients rather than shake them to prepare a martini.

FACT #5

A martini is generally served "Dry" (meaning very little dry vermouth has been added) in a well-chilled martini glass.

FACT #6

There are several types/styles of martini: bone dry, dry, wet, dirty, burnt, navy, Churchill, Gibson, Montgomery, and Vesper.

FACT #7

The Vesper Martini was made famous by James Bond. The cocktail was invented by Ian Fleming, the author of Bond. The cocktail is named after the fictional double agent, Vesper Lynd, from his book Casino Royale, published in 1953. 

FACT #8

Adding olive brine to the ingredients of your classic martini makes it a "dirty" martini, the favorite martini style of former U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt.

FACT #9

According to superstition, it is bad luck to drink a martini with two olives. Opt for one or three olives to be safe!

FACT #10

When ordering a martini, there are 5 questions every good bartender should ask:

1. What type of martini (bone dry, dry, dirty, or wet)?
2. Vodka or gin and brand?
3. Shaken or stirred?
4. Straight up or with ice?
5. What type of garnish (e.g., olive(s), lemon twist, or cocktail onions = Gibson)?

Now that you are a martini expert, why not order one the next time you go out... or better yet, make one at home, it's easy and delicious!