World Martini Day

When:
🗓️ June 19

Since:
🥂 ❓

Created by: 🤷

Shaken, Stirred, Celebrated: World Martini Day! 🍸💚🕔

The Cocktail With A License To Thrill

World Martini Day, celebrated annually on June 19, is the one day of the year when it’s socially acceptable to start thinking about gin before noon. You don’t need a tuxedo or an evening gown to join in the fun. Just mix up your favorite martini, kick back, and pretend you’re in a swanky 1960s lounge, complete with vinyl records and mid-century modern furniture.
Whether you like them with gin or vodka, dirty or dry, there’s a martini for everyone.
They’re the little black dress of drinks, always appropriate and eternally chic!

The Origin of World Martini Day

While the martini itself boasts a history as rich and complex as its flavor profile, the exact origins of World Martini Day remain a mystery beyond the reaches of all 3 search engines I used extensively for the whole hour I spent looking online. (Don’t worry, I was in the inspiring company of my loyal cocktail shaker)
Some speculate it all began in a dimly lit San Francisco speakeasy in the roaring twenties, where a group of thirsty patrons, fueled by bathtub gin and the burgeoning jazz scene, spontaneously declared a day to honor their favorite libation.
The date of June 19 was chosen because it’s precisely 007 days before June 26, the birthday of Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, the world’s most famous martini drinker.
But, these are mere legends, much like the Loch Ness Monster or the idea of a low-calorie martini.

Originally celebrated as National Martini Day, our friends at Belvedere Vodka decided in 2012 that the martini, a cocktail so iconic it practically has its own zip code, deserved more than just a national day of recognition.
And so, World Martini Day was born, a day of inclusivity where everyone, from the bustling bartenders of Tokyo to the sun-drenched sophisticates of Rio, can clink glasses in appreciation of this timeless tipple.

Martini 101: A Guide for the Aspiring Alchemist

Now, onto the real reason you’re here: the martini itself!
The classic ratio is 6:1 gin to vermouth, but feel free to play around with it.

Ice, Ice, Baby:
Start by adding ice to a mixing glass. Remember, a chilled martini is a happy martini.
The Spirit of the Matter:
Pour in your gin (or vodka, if you prefer). A true martini is made with gin, but vodka can be a delightful alternative. The choice, my dear, is entirely yours. Feeling adventurous? Try a vodka martini for a cleaner, subtler taste.
Vermouth, the Sophisticated Wingman:
Add a dash of dry vermouth. This fortified wine adds a complex botanical flavor that truly makes a martini a martini.
A Twist of Fate:
Stir vigorously until the liquids are mixed and chilled, about 50 rounds. But no longer than 30 seconds, we wouldn’t want too much dilution, would we? Or shake it if you prefer the taste of icy cold water in your martini.
The Grand Finale:
Strain and pour into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with Flair:
Top with a lemon twist for garnish. Add as many olives as you please. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your garnish. A sprig of rosemary adds a touch of the Mediterranean, while a tiny pickled pearl onion adds a playful surprise.

And there you have it, a perfect martini, crafted in the comfort of your own home!

Tips And Tricks For The Best Mix

Despite what Mr. Bond might have you believe, shaking a martini can bruise the spirits and cloud the drink. So, unless you like your martinis like your ’80s hair bands (loud and messy), stick to stirring.

For the gin, choose a high-quality brand with a botanical profile that suits your taste. Plymouth gin offers a smooth, citrusy base, while London Dry gins tend to be bolder and juniper-forward.
Vermouth, the martini’s supporting actor, deserves similar respect. A dry vermouth adds a touch of herbal complexity, so avoid brands that taste like cough syrup.

There are countless ways to put your own twist on a martini.
Try a Dirty Martini by adding a splash of olive brine, or go James Bond with a Vesper, mixing gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc.
For a sweeter twist, go with a French Martini—mix vodka with pineapple juice and a hint of raspberry liqueur.
Or, if you’re in the mood for something floral, a Lavender Martini with a splash of lavender syrup will do the trick.
An Espresso Martini combines vodka, coffee liqueur, and a shot of espresso, perfect for those late-night indulgences.
And let’s not forget the Gibson, where a pickled onion replaces the olive for a tangy twist.
For a touch of sweetness, a splash of orange liqueur can work wonders.

The possibilities are endless, much like your imagination (and, hopefully, your liquor cabinet).

Shaken or Stirred: The Cold, Hard Facts

A stirred martini is a lovely thing, subtle and herbal and bitter. The initial taste of the stirred martini is briny, slightly acidic sea salt from the vermouth. Then comes the gin, with the promise of the nose being borne out by juniper, bitter citrus peel, and a light Christmas-tree pine.

On the other hand, when you shake a martini, it reaches a frosty 29° F, below the freezing point of water.
The melting ice from being shaken provides extra volume, so you can enjoy your martini just a little longer. Consequently, shaking renders a 45 proof drink, while stirring provides 60 proof.
Same amount of alcohol, but it lasts longer.

In short:
If you prefer a colder, lighter drink, then shaking is the way to go.
But if you’re after a more complex, robust flavor, then stirring is your best bet.

Too Long Didn’t Read. Because You’re Too Busy Shaking Up a Martini!

So there you have it, the lowdown on World Martini Day and the secrets to martini mastery.
Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just someone who enjoys a good drink, this day is for you. Mix, sip, and toast to a world united by the love of a great martini. May your olives be green, your gin be cold, and your martinis be plentiful.
Now, go forth, mix up a storm, and remember, if anyone questions your midday martini, just tell them you’re on a mission from Wild Calendar to do important research for World Martini Day. They’ll understand eventually (or they’ll be too busy admiring your martini-making skills to care).
Cheers!

Happy World Martini Day! Cheers!

#WorldMartiniDay #WorldDryMartiniDay #MartiniDay #DryMartiniDay