Stocking a Midcentury Bar

One item frequently stocked in the shop is a martini pitcher set.  Used in entertaining in the atomic age, they made batching and pouring for hosts a breeze.  

The history of the martini is uncertain with some saying it originated in Martinez, California in the late 1800’s and others saying it originated at the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York in the early 1900’s. No matter its origins, the cocktail has stood the test of time in originality and morphed into modern twists with flavored spirits and liqueurs today.

The original recipe of gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters, was adapted during prohibition to include more vermouth to cover the often poor quality bathtub gin, leading to the rise of the ‘wet’ martini.

After James Bond proclaimed that he preferred his martinis “shaken, not stirred”, the cocktail rose once again in popularity, and remains a staple in the bar culture of today.

Basic Pitcher of Martini

•  20 ounces gin

• 6 ounces dry vermouth such as Dolin

• 8 dashes orange bitters (optional)

• 6 ounces bottled or filtered water (something neutral, not mineral water)

• Garnish: lemon twists, olives, cocktail onions.

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher or vessel of your choice and chill thoroughly.  Pour and serve with garnish of your choice.  Enjoy!