JANUARY 2025
January 3rd Triple Threat Band
January 10th Ron Houston & the Berry Pickers
January 24 TBA
January 31st Terry Lawless
January 17th Tony Ernst & the Not Too Shabby Band
The Cocktail Corner by Peter Karnowski, Food & Beverage Director
The origin of the Martini cocktail is shrouded in mystery, with several theories compet- ing for recognition as the true birthplace of the drink. One of the most popular tales traces the Martini’s roots to the 1860s in the California Gold Rush town of Martinez. According to this story, a bartender named Jerry Thomas created the drink for a gold miner who wanted something strong and refreshing. The concoction was said to be a mixture of gin, vermouth, and bitters, garnished with a lemon twist. Though this tale is widely cited, there is no definitive proof linking Thomas or Martinez to the Martini’s creation. Another popular theory suggests that the Martini evolved from the “Martinez” cocktail, which was a predecessor dating back to the 1860s. The Martinez was made with Old Tom gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, andbitters, often served with a lemon or cherry garnish. As the drink spread across the United States, it is believed that bartenders began adjusting the proportions, eventually refining it into the dry Martini we know today. This transition likely occurred in the 1880s or early 1900s as gin became more popular, and people favored a less sweet, more straightforward taste. A third theory claims that the Martini originated in New York, where it was developed by bartenders working at famous establishments like the Knickerbocker Hotel. According to this account, the drink gained prominence after it was perfected in the early 20th century, with some suggesting that it was named after a brand of vermouth or simply after the city itself. Regardless of the true origin, the Martini rapidly became a symbol of sophistication and elegance. Its popularity soared in the 20th century, especially during the Prohibition era, and it remains one of the most iconic cocktails in modern times.
No matter the history of this iconic cocktail, we hope to see you soon at Seven Oaks enjoying a Martini... however you like! P.S. The club favorite is Dirty with Blue Cheese stuffed olives! Salud!
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