The Martini Files: The history of the perfect cocktail

03/13/25 • 42 min

In this episode of Intoxicating History, we get up close and personal with everything Martini as we chat with our brilliant guest, author, FT Columnist and Martini Queen, Alice Lascelles. Tom Parker Bowles and Henry Jeffreys dive into the quirky history of the martini—from its early days as a medicinal elixir with a dash of ginger, to the iconic cocktail that inspired Hemingway and Dorothy Parker’s legendary wit - or not. There are personal martini ‘mishaps’, like Tom’s first three-martini lunch at Kensington Place. And we reveal fun secrets like why freezing your glass is the ultimate hack while reminiscing about the “Flame of Love” cocktail that Frank Sinatra adored. As ever we are pouring a liberal measure of historical tidbits, personal anecdotes, and useless information essential to understanding the art and joy of a perfectly crafted martini.

Supported by Taylor’s Port

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Supported by Taylor’s Port

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

Chartreuse To ‘wreck-The-Hoose’ Juice: Monks And The Art Of Distillation

In this episode, Tom Parker Bowles and Henry Jeffreys unravel the enigmatic legacy of monastic mixology. They explore how medieval monks, driven by both spiritual devotion and scientific curiosity, transformed the art of distillation into a craft that yielded some of history’s most fascinating elixirs. We delve into the creation of the herbaceous, enigmatic Chartreuse; the uniquely stimulating, and often-maligned Buckfast; and the parvenu that is Benedictine —all recipes shrouded in secrecy and varying degrees of tradition. Beyond the drinks themselves,, this episode dissects themes of resilience, innovation, and the surprising marketing prowess of these religious artisans. Whether it’s unearthing hidden manuscripts or examining how these potent concoctions became cultural icons, join us for an irreverent yet thoughtful take on how the sacred and the profane intersect in our drinking culture. If you’re drawn to history that’s as spirited as it is surprising, this episode is a must-listen.

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Next Episode

Rome Part 1: What did the Romans Ever Do for Us?

In this episode of Intoxicating History, Henry, Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles travel back 2,000 years to ancient Rome to ask the big question: What did the Romans ever do for us—wine‐wise? From Pliny the Elder’s hangover cure of raw owl eggs in wine (yes, really) to the scandalous Bacchanalian rites that terrified senators into banning women from drinking, we’ll reveal how Rome invented luxury vintages that cost more than a modern Château Yquem—then aged them for a century and more. We meet Cato the Elder, the original frugal influencer who refused imported Falernian wine for his guests (but probably savored it in secret). And discover how Mark Antony entered Ephesus in a wild bacchic parade—think Pride float meets reality show—to cement his power and reputation as one of history’s most notorious party animals. If you love historical gossip, tales of Ancient Roman excess, and a side of scandal worthy of the Senate, tune in for a glass‐raising romp through Rome’s vinous legacy—no time machine required.

Supported by Taylor’s Port.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.