The martini is one of the most popular happy hour drinks and has a fascinating history behind it. If you’re a trivia regular and want to impress friends with your martini knowledge next time you’re out, you’ll find quintessential facts about this drink below.

Facts for Martini Trivia

1. It’s Popular Among the Famous

Plenty of famous people have enjoyed martinis as a happy hour drink. It was a favorite of former U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt, who experimented with different ingredients, such as fruit juice or anisette. Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was also a fan. Queen Elizabeth II enjoys a dry, stirred martini with a twist of lemon rind for her happy hour, and of course, fictional secret agent James Bond made it his signature drink.

2. Ernest Hemingway Liked a 15:1 Montgomery Martini

American author Ernest Hemingway was known for his love of alcohol, and the Montgomery martini was his favorite. He named it after the British general Montgomery who refused to attack his enemies unless they were outnumbered 15:1. This is the ratio of alcohol to vermouth he liked in his drink.

3. Vodka Became Popular in the 1950s

Gin is the traditional martini base, with vodka coming in close second for popularity. The vodka martini was first popularized in the 1950s and is mixed with traditional ingredients like vermouth and prepared similarly.

4. It Dates Back to 1904

The martini has a number of origin stories, but the most widely accepted dates back to 1904. The drink most resembling the modern martini appeared in the book Stuart’s Fancy Drinks and How to Mix Them, with the recipe being given for someone named Marguerite.

Ready to enjoy a vodka martini? Tampa Joe’s offers several delicious happy hour variations alongside a wide selection or tasty American food. They’re a Florida favorite, with roots dating back to 1973, and serve burgers, pizza, and craft beer, and they have a number of drink specials. Call (813) 901-9590 to speak with a representative and connect on Facebook for news and updates. You can explore their food and drink menu on their website.