The iconic martini, renowned for its crisp, sophisticated taste, is now the star of its very own dedicated tourist trail in the city many believe to be its birthplace. San Francisco has launched the world's first Martini Trail, a curated journey through 23 establishments that pays homage to the drink's storied past.
A Legend Steeped in History
The origins of the martini are the stuff of cocktail legend. According to historical accounts, the very first version of the drink was crafted not in a New York speakeasy, but in the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco during the late 1850s or early 1860s. The bartender, the famed Jerry Thomas, is said to have concocted the cocktail for a gold miner heading to the town of Martinez, which inspired the drink's original name.
This rich local history provided the perfect inspiration for the trail's creation. Omar Mamoon, a respected travel, food, and drink writer, brought the concept to life. Since its launch in October, the tour has allowed both tourists and locals to delve into the diverse world of martinis across the city.
Exploring the Martini Trail Experience
The trail is a carefully selected mix of venues, offering a comprehensive taste of San Francisco's cocktail scene. The list spans from historic, long-standing bars to innovative new spots, as well as luxurious hotel lounges. Each participating venue promises its own unique interpretation of the classic martini.
The extensive roster of 23 locations includes well-known names such as Absinthe, Balboa Café, BIX, House of Prime Rib, and Tadich Grill, alongside creative hubs like True Laurel and Wildhawk. Omar Mamoon told Forbes that the trail is designed as a starting point for exploration, stating, 'The list shines a light on just a fraction of the many bars and restaurants in San Francisco making excellent martinis. The Martini Trail is just a starting point—use it as a fun way to explore the city and make your own trail, too.'
The Art of the Perfect Martini
While the trail offers variety, the pursuit of the perfect martini remains a constant. Experts like Justin Lorenz, Wine & Beverage Director of Lotte New York Palace, advise that the key is using high-quality spirits. Contrary to the famous instruction of a certain fictional spy, Lorenz recommends stirring the ingredients with ice, not shaking, to avoid over-dilution and preserve the spirit's flavour profile.
The martini's global popularity is undeniable. A 2021 study mapping the world's most-searched cocktails revealed that the Pornstar Martini was the runaway winner with over 18.4 million searches, far outpacing the Piña Colada and Aperol Spritz. This modern twist on the classic demonstrates the drink's enduring and evolving appeal, a legacy that the San Francisco Martini Trail is now celebrating in style.
