The martini is a firm favourite for many – it’s versatile, has a crisp, refreshing taste and looks sophisticated.
Some say the cocktail originates from San Francisco and was first crafted by the Occidental Hotel, now known as the Galleria Park Hotel, according to Forbes.
The bartender, Jerry Thomas, is said to have made the drink in the late 1850s or early 1860s.
It was originally called the Martinez after a town in California. The first martini was apparently made for a gold miner who was heading to the area.
Now, in honour of the rumoured origins, a cocktail tour has been launched – the San Francisco Martini Trail.
It will take martini lovers on an experience of 23 different venues and it’s reportedly the first of its kind.
The trail was created by renowned travel, food and drink writer Omar Mamoon.
Tourists have been able to delve into the world of martinis in San Francisco since October and the tour is spread across the city.
Establishments range from long-standing, well known bars to more creative, newer spots, to hotels and luxurious lounges.
The martini is a firm favourite for many – it’s versatile, has a crisp, refreshing taste and looks sophisticated
Each one will offer its own unique take of the classic cocktail.
The venues include Absinthe, Balboa Café, Bar Iris, Bar Maritime, BIX, Brazen Head, Californios, Club Waziema, Hi Dive Bar, Holbrook House, House of Prime Rib, Lillie Coit’s and Martuni’s.
As well as Osso Steakhouse, Pearl 6101, The Progress, Sam’s Grill & Seafood Restaurant, Starlite, Stookey’s Club Moderne, Tadich Grill, True Laurel, Wildhawk and Zam Zam.
Omar told Forbes: ‘The list shines a light on just a fraction of the many bars and restaurants in San Francisco making excellent martinis.
‘The Martini Trail is just a starting point—use it as a fun way to explore the city and make your own trail, too.’
The website for the trail reads: ‘San Francisco’s love affair with the martini runs deep.
‘From elegant lounges to classic hotel bars, the city offers endless ways to enjoy this timeless cocktail: dirty, dry, or with a twist.
‘After all, legend has it the martini was born here.’
It was originally called the Martinez after a town in California . The first martini was apparently made for a gold miner who was heading to the area
Justin Lorenz, Wine & Beverage Director of Lotte New York Palace previously revealed how to make the perfect martini.
He recommends using ‘any high quality spirit’.
A popular variation to the traditional recipe is the Vodka Martini that uses vodka instead of gin for the cocktail’s base.
He advises to pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice cubes and stir (not shake!) well, then strain in a chilled Martini cocktail glass.
‘Shaking a Martini waters it down and over-chills the spirit,’ said Justin.
‘However, mainstream culture has taught us to shake rather than stir, which, in actuality, mutes it’s flavour and aromatic profile.’
While a lemon twist or an olive skewer have traditionally been the Martini’s garnish, it doesn’t have to be.
‘As the quality of these spirits has increased over time through innovation and smaller batch production, the need to cut or otherwise balance them has been diminished,’ explained Justin.
Now, in honour of the rumoured origins, a cocktail tour has been launched – the San Francisco Martini Trail
Back in 2021, a reworked world map revealed the most popular cocktails around the globe.
And the Pornstar Martini was the runaway winner.
On the map – generated using Google search data – country names have been supplemented by their residents’ most-searched-for cocktail.
There were over 18.4million searches worldwide for Pornstar Martini, with the Pina Colada – top in America – ranking second with 10.5million searches and the Aperol Spritz in third with more than 8.2million registered searches.
