Martinez, California -
Home Of The Martini

The stylish drink is claimed to have been invented by a Martinez bartender in 1874.

Address:: 911 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, CA
Directions:: The spot is marked by a small plaque on a small rock on the northeast corner of Alhambra Ave. and Masonic/Thompson St. At the corner of the parking lot for L.M. Lasell Co.

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Home Of The Martini

An official plaque in a corner of the parking lot reads "In 1874, Julio Richelieo, Bartender, served up the first Martini when a miner came into his saloon with a fistful of nuggets and asked for something special. He was served a "Martinez Special." After three or four drinks however the "Z" would get very much in the way. The drink consisted of 2/3 gin, 1/3 Vermouth a dash or orange bitters, poured over crushed ice and served with an olive."

Erected by Juaquin Murrieta Chapter 13 Clampus Vitus. Dedicated April 11, 1992. [Sarah, 05/04/2007]

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February 10, 2012