National Martini Day Is Here

WRRV Spirit Society ,embers, June 19, 2016 is a big day! It's National Martini Day. Who had the great idea to pick one day a year to celebrate this cocktail? Well, it's fuzzy history-wise as to who this genius is, but according to The Bonefish Grills $5 Martini Monday press release, the cocktail itself dates back to the 1888 edition of The Bartender by Harry Johnson.

A classic Martini, as defined by wikipedia is:

A cocktail made with gin and vermouth, and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. Over the years, the Martini has become one of the best-known mixed alcoholic beverages. H. L. Mencken called the Martini "the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet"[1] and E. B. White called it "the elixir of quietude".

In the last decade or so the Martini has taken on hundreds of variations. Traditionalists will always come back to the vodka or gin based versions, but those willing to take a chance can get some unique flavor combinations. Try a flavor infused vodka with some fresh fruit juice, shake in a shaker with ice and pour into a chilled Martini glass.

Want to try a few different variations on the classic cocktail? Head to your local well stocked bar and have a conversation with the bartender. Ask them about the differences, maybe they will make one of their special versions? Get to know those bartenders, they are a wealth of knowledge while you are trying to explore the cocktail and spirits world.

Bonefish Grill will also be having $5 Martini Mondays throughout the month of June for you to also sample a few different types. Which one will be your favorite?