The Olive is the fruit of the olive tree - a common species in Italy, Greece and other countries along the Mediterranean Sea. This is a small oval fruit, green when unripe and black when ripe, used for food and for oil. It's a main component of the so called agriculture but also the gastronomy along the Mediterranean; in Europe, North Africa and also the Middle East. And now we can see the role olives play, by tracking the history of olives in martini.

The martini is a cocktail made with gin and vermouth, garnished with an olive. Ever since martini exists, it has been one of the most popular mixed alcoholic beverages. The Martinez, Gibson Martini, The Smoky Martini and Apple Martini are only a few variations of the classic drink. Dirty Martini is a variation of the traditional one, but the only difference is that a small amount of olive brine is added to the mixture.

Eggnog is widespread in America as a traditional Christmas and New Year Eve's drink. It's made with milk, cream, sugar, beaten eggs and rum or brandy in addition. Sometimes Eggnog Martini may take the place of the usual drink as a different, contemporary tradition. It's made with rum, vodka, eggnog and syrup. This Martini is normally garnished with cinnamon sticks.

The history of olives in martini is very interesting and quite mystic. During the 19th century, and its second half in particular, cocktails used to be garnished with a cherry, but instead of it, people decided to prepare the cocktails with olives, mainly because of their saltiness. Nowadays Martini with a cherry garnish is very rare and could be said that it doesn't even exist.

Before we discuss why martini is called "martini", we have to know why it is called a cocktail. No one knows where exactly this word derives from, but there are many different stories. One of them says that a cock's tail has many varied feathers in exciting colours - just like cocktails consist of various alcoholic drinks. Some say that it was customary to put a feather, in the drink to serve both as decoration and to signal that the drink contained alcohol. Cocktails were originally a morning beverage, so the symbolized the beginning of the day - just like roosters.

Martini is also popular in literature and American film industry. The movie and book character James Bond is famous for his favorite "shaken" Martini. Many famous people such as Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote and U.S. President Roosevelt were known to prefer Martini.

The true origin of this cocktail is draped in mystery. But what is it about the history of olives in martini? There are not concrete facts and authentic explanations. Even the "inventor" of the drink is unknown, because there are too many people who claim to have created this excellent cocktail first. Their recipes don't have much in common with the recipe that is in existence today. Martini is usually served with an olive, lemon twist or even cocktail onions.

There are many different kinds of Martini, as well as different ways of preparing and drinking it. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most elegant cocktails. So whatever your cocktail is garnished with, you should know that martini will always be stylish.

Do you love martinis? Don't miss the Martini Guide for great martini recipes such as the ever popular dry martini and an exotic and excellent selection of the martini recipe you have in mind.

Posted under Wine