May marks the arrival of sunshine, garden gatherings — and the perfect excuse to raise a glass to one of the world’s most iconic gin cocktails: the Martini.
Elegant, crisp, and endlessly adaptable, the Martini has captivated cocktail lovers for over a century. From its origins in late 19th-century bartending manuals to its glamorous rise in the golden age of Hollywood, the Martini remains a symbol of sophistication and simplicity.
But behind every great Martini lies two essential ingredients: quality gin and aromatic vermouth. At Secret Garden Distillery, we’ve reimagined this classic cocktail through a Scottish lens — with a deep commitment to sustainability, provenance, and natural flavour.
A Brief History of the Martini
The origins of the Martini are shrouded in a little mystery, but many believe it evolved from the earlier Martinez cocktail, served in California during the Gold Rush of the 1860s. Others credit a bartender at NYC's Knickbocker Hotel but we do know the first printed Martini recipe appeared in 1888.
By the early 20th century, the Martini had taken shape — a refined mix of London Dry gin and dry vermouth, often garnished with a lemon twist or olive.
Over the decades, the Martini became a cultural icon — beloved by literary figures, Hollywood stars, and even secret agents. While its recipe has evolved (from wet to dry, shaken to stirred), the heart of the Martini has always been about balance and botanical elegance.
Scottish Craft, Sustainable Spirit
This Martini May, we invite you to discover our take on this timeless classic — handcrafted right here in Scotland.
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Secret Garden Distillery Gin is a sustainable craft gin distilled with 100% natural botanicals, grown and hand-harvested in our garden just outside Edinburgh. With no added sugars, artificial flavourings, or colourings, each bottle is a pure expression of place — seasonal, sensory, and rooted in nature. This Martini May we are recommending our London Drys: both award-winning premium gins. Introducing our Wild Gin made with organic Spirit and our Summer Gin
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Secret Garden Vermouth Bianco is our latest innovation: a Scottish vermouth made from Chardonnay grapes grown in our Scottish glasshouse outside Edinburgh infused with gin distilled with botanicals grown in our garden. Aromatic and subtly sweet, it’s the perfect companion to our gin, delivering depth and complexity without overpowering the palate. You can buy that here.
Both are made using traditional distilling methods, with a low-intervention, eco-conscious approach that celebrates the Scottish landscape and supports biodiversity.
Your Sustainable Martini Recipe
Looking for a sustainable twist on a classic? Try these garden-fresh takes:
Secret Garden Wild Martini (a dry martini)
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50ml Secret Garden Distillery Wild Gin
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15ml Secret Garden Vermouth Bianco
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Stir over ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass
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Garnish with traditional olive
Secret Garden Summer Martini (a sweeter martini)
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50ml Secret Garden Distillery Summer Gin
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15ml Secret Garden Vermouth Bianco
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Stir over ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass
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Garnish with citrus peel
Simple, elegant, and full of natural character — this is the Martini, the Secret Garden way.
Whether you're hosting friends, toasting the start of summer, or simply treating yourself, there’s no better time to enjoy a Scottish crafted Martini that’s as kind to the planet as it is to your palate.
Celebrate Martini May with a sip of sustainability. You decide if it you prefer it "shaken not stirred".
Crafted by nature. Distilled with purpose. Enjoyed responsibly.
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