One of Rivers’ favorite aspects of the martini is that it can be personalized for every drinker, “from the portions and styles of the vermouth to the spirit choice of gin or vodka.” Gin is unsurprisingly her martini spirit of choice. Keli Rivers, senior Sipsmith brand ambassador, gives some insight into the traditional martini, stating, “The martini is a cocktail featuring gin and dry vermouth, sometimes vodka is substituted.” Byron’s 1884 The Modern Bartenders’ Guide as a variation: “Same as Manhattan, only you substitute gin for whisky.” Since then, the recipe has evolved and spawned multiple variations.

Its reported first iteration was called The Martinez (based on the town in California it is said to have originated in) and was first listed in O.H. The martini's official origin story is somewhat shrouded in mystery, but there’s one detail nearly everyone agrees on. Popular among casual drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts, a resurgence of the marvelous martini started in late 2021, with the meteoric rise of espresso varieties hitting a high in 2022. Its reputation for being the drink of choice for the stylish and sophisticated has made it a classic sip that has stood the test of time. The martini is one of the most iconic cocktails in the world.

Expresso martini gin