An Unparalleled Night at My Way
Looking for an unforgettable night in Plaza Real? My Way's evening cocktails are an excellent choice to cool down with an exotic flavour, guaranteed to captivate even the most discerning palate during the vibrant heat of the night.
In this article, we introduce one of the most popular cocktails at our lounge restaurant: the martini, a spirited drink made of gin mixed with vermouth. This international cocktail is known to many thanks to movies, advertisements, and especially the iconic James Bond phrase: “A dry martini, shaken, not stirred.”
The martini is a sweet-tasting drink that won the hearts of many Hollywood celebrities, including Humphrey Bogart, with its exquisite notes of sweet and versatile flavours, pairing perfectly with ingredients like lime juice, coffee, or even cava.
The Origins of the Martini
Similar to the Margarita cocktail and Caesar salad, the historical origins of the martini are surrounded by various legends that mythologise the drink's creation. Here are three popular stories about its origins:
- The Boston Version: According to this story, a bartender from Boston named Martínez, after leaving his life as a miner, decided to open a bar and clandestinely serve other workers during Prohibition. This cocktail became popular thanks to his customers, who also prepared it at home.
- The Italian Bartender Version: This story attributes the martini's creation to an Italian bartender named "Martini" in a New York bar. One day, millionaire Rockefeller requested a novel drink. Martini crafted a special vermouth-based cocktail for the magnate, who helped popularise it.
- Roosevelt’s Toast: After the repeal of Prohibition, figures like President Roosevelt toasted with martinis at major events. This led to suspicions that the president had been enjoying martinis even before they were legalised.
The Piemonte Region
The Italian region of Piemonte is not only famous for its vineyards but also for being the birthplace of the Martini company and the creation of vermouth. This tradition, over 150 years old, has endured and expanded its influence across Europe.
In Piemonte’s valleys and its main city, Turin, you can find a museum-house dedicated to martinis and their mythology. A recommended visit to learn about the real history of the company and its most famous cocktail throughout time.
Additionally, Piemonte is renowned for other delights like chocolate, rice, and coffee. A true paradise for gourmets!
A Cocktail with Lots of Publicity
As mentioned earlier, the martini became famous thanks to the media and cinema. Its fame began in the 1960s with the early James Bond movies, where the secret agent enjoyed martinis and uttered his famous line.
Building on the martini's popularity, numerous commercials were launched worldwide during the 1980s and 1990s, associating the drink with glamour, partying, sensuality, power, and success.