sf > wrote in
:

> On Sat, 16 Oct 2004 18:20:44 GMT, baker >
> wrote:
>
>> While some of these trendy drinks may be very appealing, it's a
>> shame that some a**hole decided to brand them "martinis", which they
>> clearly are not. Every dictionary reference I can find defines a
>> martini as "a cocktail made of gin (or vodka) with dry vermouth".
>> These new drinks are no more martinis than is a Black or White
>> Russian, which are not that different from these new drinks, IMNSHO.
>>
> Agree! I think that's why they have "names", like
> Cosmopolitan. The orange flavored vodka with a drop of
> Grand Marnier has a name (which I've never memorized) as do
> most of the others. They are probably called Martinis only
> because they are served in a martini glass.
>

Perhaps also because they include vodka which with vermouth, as such, is
a recognized martini, although not with the history of the gin martini.
IIRC, the "vodkatini" as it was originally dubbed, came at least 30 years
after the gin martini which is around a hundred years old. If one order
simply a "martini" as late as 30-40 years ago, it was usually assumed to
be a gin martini. Now, more than likely, it would be assumed to be a
vodka martini, the fruit cocktails notwithstanding.

>
>> One recent martini encounter began with a cocktail waitress
>> suggesting one of various of the new "martinis", to which I replied,
>> "I want a martini, not a fruit cocktail!"
>>
> <chuckle>
>
>> To avoid future such idiocy, I now order a Beefeater Gibson with
>> extra onion...not even a whispered reference to "martini".
>>
> Good for you!

All this martini talk has reminded me of a bar I used to frequent in the
1960s and early 1970s called the Hanna Pub which also served some
excellent grub. They were renown for their Beefeater and Sapphire
martinis and no one served a better or bigger drink. Bartender and
imbibers alike looked askance at those who ordered vodka. Their standard
martini was a double (actually more like a triple) served in a heavy
bottomed 8 oz. glass or a rediculously large stemmed martini glass. One
had to be very specific if preferring to order a single martini.

--
It's me, Baker!

When the Chips are Down,
the Buffalo is Empty.