Vermouth and martini are the names of alcoholic beverages that are sometimes confused with each other. Martini is an Italian brand of vermouth and an alcoholic cocktail that often includes vermouth.
How vermouth became a martini
In a sense, the words "martini" and "vermouth" can be considered synonymous. The Martini brand appeared in 1863 in the Italian city of Turin. Over time, Martini conquered the world and became a symbol of a stylish lifestyle full of glamor and sophistication.
Martini and Rossi was founded by three completely different people, one of whom - Luigi Rosso - was an inventive connoisseur of liqueurs and herbs. Thus, a drink appeared that bears the name of one of the founders, a drink that, in fact, is vermouth.
Besides Martini, there are other brands that produce vermouth: Chinzano, Dubonnet, Gallo, Tribuno, Nuali Prat.
Variety of vermouth and martini
Martini, like vermouth, is made from four ingredients: wine, herbs, sugar and alcohol. Most often, you can see white (or dry) and red (or sweet) vermouth. Martini Rosso is red vermouth and Martini Bianco is white.
The name "vermouth" comes from the German word wormwood, which means wormwood. Until the time when wormwood became known for its poisonous properties, it was this herb that was used as the main flavoring in this alcoholic drink.
The first sweet vermouth was prepared in 1786 by Antonio Benedetto Carpano in Turin, Italy. The first dry vermouth was created in 1800 by the Frenchman Joseph Nuali.
There are many vermouth manufacturers on the market today. Each of them uses his own special recipe for its preparation, which is always kept secret.
So, martini is a type of vermouth. The only difference is in the name.
Martini cocktail
Martini is also the name for an alcoholic cocktail. The classic martini cocktail consists of vermouth, gin, green olive or lemon wedge. You can also put an orange in it. But even a classic cocktail has many variations. The drink has undergone many changes, which is why its composition and preparation method can be so different.
According to one version, the name of the cocktail comes from the name of the city of Martinez in the United States. The name "martini" first appeared in the notebook of bartender Jerry Thomas of the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco in 1887. Presumably, the cocktail was a favorite among travelers heading to the city of Martinez.
Usually, ice cubes are used to make martinis, which are placed in a glass where all the liquid ingredients are poured. Then the glass is slightly shaken. Finally, the contents are strained into a chilled cocktail glass. The prepared cocktail is garnished with olive or lemon. Add orange to taste.
The dry martini contains dry vermouth, although recently martinis without vermouth or with very little of it are very common.
Vermouth is not poured into "Overdried" or "Desert" martini. Dry and sweet vermouth are poured into the "Perfect" martini in equal proportions. A small amount of olive brine is poured into the "dirty" martini. Gin and dry vermouth are added to the 50/50 martini in equal proportions. In a vodka martini, gin is replaced with vodka.
