The Martinelli Family

Family Owned for 146 Years

From Thanksgiving to New Years, glasses are filled with a sweet yet tart bubbly beverage that is Martinelli’s sparkling apple cider. The Martinelli family have been producing great tasting apple juice in Watsonville for 146 years and counting. Through five generations of apple juice making, the Martinelli family hasn’t changed a thing. Their iconic beverages have won many medals and there is no denying why.

In 1859, Stephen G. Martinelli, settled in the fertile Pajaro Valley near Monterey Bay. This coastal region provided the perfect climate for producing an assortment of apples varieties. In 1868 he founded S. Martinelli & Company producing bottle fermented Champagne Cider with apples from California’s first commercial orchards. Martinelli’s Cider soon became well known as the best available in the marketplace.  It wasn’t until the prohibition that the company started to specialize in creating unfermented apple juice, including the first non-alcoholic sparkling cider, which is what they are renowned for today. Today, S. Martinelli & Company is managed by the founder’s grandson, Stephen C. Martinelli, and great-grandson S. John Martinelli.

Fresh picked apples of the finest varieties are blended to achieve a balance of natural sweetness and tartness. Which apple is the company’s signature variety? It’s a lesser known variety called Newtown Pippin; which John Martinelli said provides the “best flavor for apple juice on earth.” But don’t just take his word for it, one sip of any Martinelli’s product and you can taste the quality, tradition and cheer.

Hot Cider Egg Nog

Serves 2-4

1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
1/2 cup Martinelli's Cider or Apple Juice
1 large egg
1/4 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch ground nutmeg
Pinch salt
1/4 cup brandy (optional)

Garnish:
Cinnamon sticks
Whipped cream

In a heavy saucepan, combine the first 8 ingredients. Cook over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, whisking occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in brandy, if desired. Pour into individual glasses or mugs. Garnish each serving with a dollop of whipped cream, 1 to 2 cinnamon sticks, and a sprinkling of nutmeg.