About Martini: Myths, Magic and Mixes
It's almost 150 years since someone first had the idea of mixing vermouth and gin. And today, the Martini is more popular than ever.
Made infamous by characters both real and fictional, including James Bond, Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemingway, the martini – in all its many iterations – has lasted the test of time as the ultimate in cocktail sophistication.
How did we all get so obsessed with such a simple drink? What’s the secret to a good one? And how has that recipe evolved over the years?
Join Financial Times drinks columnist and The Martini author Alice Lascelles, Sipsmith master distiller and historian Jared Brown and award-winning bartender Monica Berg for a tasting and discussion, exploring the ins and outs of the world’s most adored (and occasionally, feared) cocktail.
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About the speakers
Monica Berg is a London based multi – award winning bartender and entrepreneur. Her work includes Muyu liqueurs and London bar(s) Tayēr + Elementary with partner Alex Kratena – currently no 4 on The Worlds 50 Best Bars 2024. In 2024, she was named the most influential person in Bar World 100 by Drinks International for the 5th consecutive year, and received the Industry Icon Award at The Worlds 50 Best Bars. @monicasuh
Jared Brown is a Master Distiller and Co-Founder of Sipsmith. Jared received the Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 and the IWSC Communicators of the Year Award in 2011 for his contributions to drink history. Brown has co-authored award-winning books, from Shaken Not Stirred®: A Celebration of the Martini (1995), Spirituous Journey: A History of Drink, Vol 1 and 2 (2010), A Most Noble Water Revisiting the Origins of English Gin (2024). @mixellany2
Alice Lascelles writes about drinks for the Financial Times and can often be found talking about wine, spirits and bar culture on the TV and BBC Radio 4. She is the author of three books including The Martini: The Ultimate Guide to a Cocktail Icon (2024), an Amazon best-seller which was declared ‘positively paradigmatic’ by Nigella Lawson. She likes her Martinis 5:1 with an olive and a twist. @alicelascelles
About Food Season 2025
The British Library Food Season returns for its seventh year, bringing together some of the most influential names in food, drink, hospitality, literature and science, for a series of events that highlight the stories, the politics and the people behind how and why we eat. Discover more Food Season events.
Concessions
There are a range of concessions. These include discounts for British Library Members, half-price tickets for students and under 26s, free entry for carers as well as a number of other concessions such as day and weekend passes.
Attending your event
Please note that this event takes place at Pavilion Theatre on the piazza of the British Library, London.
Doors to this event will open at 15.45. If you have specific access requirements please email customer@bl.uk
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