Gold Mine Processing Manager Kelly Noble recommends The Martini: An Illustrated History of an American Classic by Barnaby Conrad, III.
The martini has a long history in the United States. First invented here in the 1880s, the martini has been a part of the American beverage landscape ever since. Its composition has oscillated from gin to vodka and back again. It is still one of the most popular drinks in the United States. The story of the martini’s invention is up for debate, but most drinkers believe the martini was invented in San Francisco in 1887.
The recipe for a martini has also evolved over time, but the classic Gin Martini with gin and vermouth came into being around 1900. The martini became the drink of choice by most of the upper middle class and is still a top choice today. The current trend favors vodka over gin, but the drink’s overall popularity is still high.
The importance of the martini is covered by Conrad’s book. My favorite chapter covers the martini in literature and film. Jack London wrote about the martini in his novel, Burning Daylight, and who can forget Ernest Hemingway’s long excerpt in The Sun Also Rises.
It is also reported that Hemingway liked his martinis served cold and with an olive. The only true way to drink a martini, I might add.
In film, the martini appears around 1934 with The Thin Man, and again in 1957 in My Man Godfry. True or not, Conrad relays Humphrey Bogart’s supposed last words as “I should have never switched from scotch to martinis.” And how can anyone alive not know of Ian Fleming’s super spy, Jame Bond. With the invention of James Bond, martinis have become more shaken and less stirred. A purist gin drinker would question this method, but who cares? I will say my favorite quote from Hollywood is by Charles Butterfield:
“You ought to get out of those clothes and into a dry martini.” You cannot go wrong with good advice!
Overall, Conrad’s book covers a great part of martini history and American culture. For those readers looking for a great American beverage, try a martini at the Cellar Pub on Sun Valley Road in Ketchum, Idaho. They make them extra-large … which is the correct size.
