by Martha Rhodes

Created on: January 29, 2009

The true origin of the Gibson cocktail is disputed however it does date back to the year 1904 when the dinner menu for the Piedmont hotel was printed in the Atlanta Constitution. The menu for the evening included the Gibson cocktail.

It is thought that the Gibson was named for the famous "Gibson Girls" illustrations by artist Charles Dana Gibson, who was a very popular artist in that era. His illustrations were featured in various magazines who fought for exclusive rights to the illustrations. The artist described the girls as "The American Girl to all the world". The appeal of the Gibson Girls was that they appeared to be strong, independent women during a period when some women were beginning to seek employment outside of the home.

In her book, America's Great Illustrators, Susan E. Meyer describes the Gibson Girl as "She was taller than the other women currently seen in the pages of magazines.. infinitely more spirited and independent, yet altogether feminine. She appeared in a stiff shirtwaist, her soft hair piled into a chignon, topped by a big plumed hat. Her flowing skirt was hiked up in back with just a hint of a bustle. She was poised and patrician. Though always well bred, there often lurked a flash of mischief in her eyes."

The Gibson cocktail is basically a dry martini, which was one of the most popular drinks of the time. Rather than serving the cocktail with a lemon peel or an olive, the Gibson is served with a pearl onion. This is what makes it the "Gibson".

Recipe for the Gibson Cocktail

4 Dry Gin or more

1 Dry Vermouth or less

Stir well with ice and strain into a glass. Serve with a pickled pearl onion.

Gibson cocktail history: http://wiki.webtender.com/wiki/Gibson_Cocktail

Gibson Girls article: http://www.livelyroots.com/things/gibsongirl.htm

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