National Martini Day is Monday June 19th

Whether you prefer your Martini shaken or stirred this classic cocktail is celebrating its existence on Monday June 19th with National Martini Day.

Considered one of the best known alcoholic cocktails its origins are a bit hazy but some go back to the 1800’s with an Italian vermouth producer and a San Francisco bartender. Popularity grew in the Roaring Twenties and the again in the 1960s with the help of James Bond preferring his Martini “shaken not stirred’ in novels in the 1950s and but mentioned in films “Dr. No” and “Goldfinger”in the early 1960s.

Originally made with dry gin & dry vermouth many variations are now created using vodka and flavored vodkas. Two local restaurants are celebrating National Martini Day on the 19th with their unique versions of the cocktail.

National Martini Day at The Thirsty Lion

The 3 valley locations of The Thirsty Lion Gastropub will be mixing up a herb and fruit Martini. The Grapefruit and Basil Martini will mix Deep Eddie Ruby Red Vodka, St. Germain, grapefruit juice, fresh basil and grapefruit bitters.

To celebrate head to Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill  at 2000 East Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 1041 in Tempe, 7014 East Camelback Road, Suite 1423 in Scottsdale and 2212 East Williams Field Road in Gilbert. http://www.thirstyliongastropub.com/

Celebrate at Kelly’s at Southbridge

Scottsdale’s Kelly’s at Southbridge restaurant will be serving their Peartini for $8. The sweet cocktail uses Absolut Pear Vodka, Elderflower, fresh lime juice, simple syrup and Mumm Napa Brut sparkling wine. Kelly’s is at 7117 E. 6th Ave. Scottsdale 85251. http://www.kellysatsouthbridge.com/