Despite the foggy history surrounding the Martinez cocktail, there’s no doubt that it was a step in the evolution of the Martini. The first mention of this libation was made in an 1888 bartenders’ manual that instructed bartenders to mix a Martinez the “Same as a Manhattan, only you substitute gin for whisky.”
Despite being known as the precursor to the famous Martini, the Martinez has generally been less popular throughout history. Many people argue that the Martinez and Martini were once the same drink, and over time they became confused and went their separate ways and eventually became what they are today.