Martini -- The Perfect American Invention

Ingredients:

2 1/2 oz gin
1/2 oz dry vermouth
1 green olive or lemon twist for garnish

Traditionally stirrred into a chilled glass, garnished, and served straight up.

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The Origin:

The first martini – or martini-like drink – was poured sometime between 1862 and 1871 and was called a Martinez, a name to honor the humble town of Martinez, California, where it was purportedly first dreamed up by bartender Julio Richelieu, proprietor of the eponymous Julio Richelieu Saloon.

The Variations:

Dirty Martini- replace vermouth with olive brine

Diamond Martini- replace gin with premium grain vodka, frozen

Perfect Martini- equal portion of sweet and dry vermouth