Martinez in Contra Costa County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Birthplace of The Martini

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 11, 2022

1. Birthplace of The Martini Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

On this site in 1874, Julio Richelieu, 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 of orange bitters, served over crushed ice and served with an olive.

Humorist James Thurber once said, "One is alright, two is too many, and three is not enough."

Erected 1992 by Joaquin Murrieta Chapter, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 11, 1887.

Location. 38° 0.892′ N, 122° 8.194′ W. Marker is in Martinez, California, in Contra Costa County. Marker is at the intersection of Alhambra Avenue and Masonic Street, on the right when traveling north on Alhambra Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Martinez CA 94553, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least

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8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 700 Alhambra (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Former Masonic Lodge Site (about 800 feet away); Hilson's (about 800 feet away); 1124 Ferry Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); State Theatre (approx. 0.2 miles away); City Hall Apartment Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); The National Bank of Martinez (approx. 0.2 miles away); 736 Ferry Street (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Martinez.

More about this marker. The marker is mounted on a stone monument situated on the northeast corner of the intersection of Alhambra Avenue and Masonic Street.

Birthplace of the Martini Marker. Looking along Alhambra Avenue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, November 8, 2009

2. Birthplace of the Martini Marker. Looking along Alhambra Avenue

A Martini image. Click for more information.

Hayford Peirce, via Wikipedia Commons, 2009

3. A Martini

History of the Martini
The Martini Hour website entry
Click for more information.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,515 times since then and 137 times this year. Last updated on July 30, 2012, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. It was the Marker of the Week July 20, 2014. Photos: 1. submitted on February 11, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 2. submitted on November 12, 2009, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3. submitted on July 15, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.