Definition of martini

The origin of the word "martini" is attributed to Italian-American bartender Jerry Thomas, who claimed to have named the cocktail after his customer, Martinius Hanski, in the late 19th century. Hanski, a Russian aristocrat, was said to have ordered a combination of gin and vermouth, which Thomas's assistant, Martini, prepared for him. However, other sources dispute this story, suggesting that the name "martini" simply became associated with the cocktail due to its popularity at the Martini Hotel in San Francisco or because it was a popular drink among Martini enthusiasts. Regardless of its true origin, the martini has become a timeless and iconic cocktail, often enjoyed with a twist of lemon or olive and garnished with a sophisticated air.