At some point, my relationship with onions evolved—they shifted from just a cooking ingredient to a beloved addition in my cocktails. A pickled onion is a delight, especially when it finds its way into my Martini. While olives and lemon peels are the usual choices for Martini garnishes, adding a cocktail onion, or even three, transforms a regular Martini into what is famously known as the Gibson Cocktail.
Simply Recipes / Elana Lepkowski
Gibson Cocktail Origins: Multiple Stories
Why does this simple variation of a classic Martini merit its own name? The story begins in San Francisco in the late 19th century. Unfortunately, from there, the historical trail of the cocktail’s origins grows cold.
Several origin stories exist, all involving gentlemen named Gibson attempting to enhance their Martini cocktail. Yet, none are supported by definitive, verifiable proof.
References to the Gibson can be found in the 1908 cocktail manual, “The World’s Drinks and How to Mix Them,” but it lacks garnish and resembles more of a 50/50 Martini (equal parts gin and vermouth). The pickled onion garnish surfaces on menus between the 1930s and ‘40s, giving rise to the familiar Gibson Martini we know today.
A Classic Gin Martini is the Base for a Gibson
The Gibson is constructed similarly to a classic gin Martini. If you haven’t selected a favorite Martini recipe or technique yet, I’ll share mine. The traditional Gibson is crafted using gin, preferably a London Dry style with a pronounced juniper flavor. If you prefer vodka in your Martini, you can substitute it, keeping in mind how the spirit pairs with the potent, briny taste of the cocktail onions.
My preference is Ford’s gin, but if unavailable, Beefeater is an excellent alternative.
For vermouth, a dry style is ideal. Noilly Prat and Dolin offer dry, slightly sweet, and bitter French vermouths that complement both the gin and onion without overpowering the drink.
Simply Recipes / Elana Lepkowski
A Pickled Onion Garnish? Yes!
Now, let’s talk about the garnish—the pickled onion. If you pickle your own onions, then by all means, use them (I certainly do when I have some on hand). For those purchasing, Mezzetta is a widely available brand often found in large liquor stores.
Grocery stores usually have a variety of options as well. Bear this in mind: although it’s called a “garnish,” the onion will impart its flavor to your drink. If you wouldn’t consider eating it after finishing your drink, you likely don’t want it in your Martini. Choose something you would enjoy eating!
A Martini Should Be Stirred, Not Shaken
When you’ve gathered your ingredients, use a mixing glass—not a shaker (a pint glass works, too). A Martini is meant to be stirred, not shaken. Bartenders often explain that drinks composed entirely of alcohol should be stirred.
Save the shaking for cocktails with juices or egg whites. When ready to serve, spear a few cocktail onions on a pick and place them into a coupe or “Martini” glass if you have one.
Simply Recipes / Elana Lepkowski
Make These Classic Cocktails
Cook Mode
(Keep screen awake)
-
2
ounces
London Dry stylegin -
3/4
ounce
dry vermouth -
2-3
pickled cocktail onions, for garnish
-
Make the cocktail:
In a mixing glass 2/3 filled with ice, pour in the gin and vermouth. Stir with a mixing spoon or chopstick for 20 seconds. Strain into a coupe or Martini glass.
Simply Recipes / Elana Lepkowski
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Garnish and serve:
Garnish with 2-3 pickled onions that have been speared on a cocktail pick. Serve.
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Simply Recipes / Elana Lepkowski
Simply Recipes / Elana Lepkowski
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 162 | Calories |
| 0g | Fat |
| 3g | Carbs |
| 0g | Protein |
×
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 1 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 162 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| 0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
| 0mg | 0% |
| 7mg | 0% |
| 3g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 0g | |
| 0g | |
| Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium 2mg | 0% |
| Iron 0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 22mg | 0% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) indicates how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are provided, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
