Shaken, Not Stirred

There are fewer things more American than a martini. From the legendary “shaken, not stirred” to the more modern variations such as the appletini, this drink has made a stamp on American culture. However, like most classic cocktails, the history of the martini is a little murky – they must’ve had a Three Martini Lunch that day. There are several cities, people and companies that claim to have invented this iconic drink. Read on to see what Wicked Willie’s has uncovered about the martini:

The California Martini Rush

Although the history of the Martini is a little muddled, historians can pinpoint its discovery to the California Gold Rush (1849). Many believe that it was a miner who invented the drink after striking gold. In celebration, he rushed to a bar and asked for a special drink in honor of his new-found riches. There are two versions of this story, but both end up with the bartender throwing together what he had on hand, which happened to be fortified wine (vermouth), gin, bitters, maraschino liqueur and a slice of lemon. The bartender had called it a Martinez, named after the town in which the bar was located. Apparently, the miner then went to San Francisco to order the drink again, and that is where it took off and gained its popularity.

The Myths, The Legends, The Unknowns

Although the first story has a good reputation for being the accurate account of the creation of this drink, there are a few others who claim they also invented it. Barnaby Conrad III, an author who wrote a book on the history of the Martini, claims that San Francisco is where the drink was actually created. He states that a miner was on his way to Martinez and needed a pick-me-up, so he stopped in a local bar and received what is now called a martini.

Another claims that the drink was actually invented by a bartender in 1911 in New York’s Knickerbocker Hotel. However, the martini did appear in the Bartender’s Manual in the 1880s, so we’re not too sure about that story.

Martini’s with a Wicked Side

No matter who created the martini, we are happy that they did! The traditional martini is made with gin and dry vermouth garnished with a green olive or lemon garnish – the additional ingredients from the gold rush days were abandoned quickly after the creation. Martini’s through the years have incorporated some interesting twists. Today there are many different ways to make a martini and a variety of garnishes.

At Wicked Willie’s we have three specialty martini’s that you can order off our drink menu including:

Effen Good – Effen Cucumber Vodka, fresh mint, lime juice, cucumber and agave nectar.

Manhattan – Maker’s Mark, Fee Brother’s Orange Bitters, maraschino cherry.

Bourbon Bacon Pecan – Backwoods Pecan Whiskey, RumChata, and DeKuyper Hazelnut Liqueur, served with a chocolate rim, bacon and pecan pieces.

Enjoy this Classic Drink and Much More at Wicked Willie’s

When you come to the best bar at the Lake of the Ozarks, you can enjoy all the classic drinks you know and love, as well as drinks with a twist. Enjoy delicious food, drinks and watch the game all at Wicked Willie’s! Lake of the Ozarks’ best sports bar has it all - come to Wicked Willie’s to check it out for yourself! 

www.WickedWilliesSportsGrill.com

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5384 Osage Beach Pkwy

Osage Beach, MO 65065

(573) 693-1777