Birthplace of the Martini

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.<br> Humorist James Thurber once said, "One is alright, two is too many, and three is not enough."<br> <center>April 11, 1992</center> <center>Joaquin Murrieta Chapter 13</center> <center>E Clampus Vitus</center>