Long before the Gin & Tonic or the Manhattan became household names, the Martinez quietly laid the groundwork for modern cocktails. Often considered the direct ancestor of the Martini, this drink emerged in the mid-1800s, likely originating in San Francisco or the small town of Martinez, California, where bartenders were experimenting with the new Italian vermouth arriving on American shores. Its creation reflects an era when cocktails were as much about balance and sophistication as they were about fortifying spirits for the workday—or the long evening ahead.
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