On 2005-11-30, LittleGreyPoodle > wrote:

> I don't know in general, but the vodka "martini" was an invention in the
> late 50's or early 60's by a vodka importer that wanted to promote their
> product. Purely marketing hype, just like women "needing" to shave their
> underarms and teenagers "needing" to wear Nike "sports shoes" and
> computer nerds "needing" to use a particular computer, or a patriot
> needing to support a certain president's unpopular war. A lot of people
> try to influence other people to their given beliefs. It's human nature.
> Doesn't make it right.

The speculation on it's origins are rampant. Here's just one:

http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/lcd6/page6.html

I was not aware JB's original vodka martini included both gin and
vodka, despite the fact I read the whole series way back when I was in
the service. I didn't drink back then, so that little factoid
probably didn't register.

My theories on why vodka is so popular today revolve around how most
younger people prefer sweet drinks to the tart/sour cocktails of our
and our parent's time. The overwhelming popularity of premium vodkas
is a good clue. To spend $30-40 per bottle for vodkas named after
Canadian turkeys and fat butlers and has been refined to the point
it's almost tasteless and then serve it freezing cold is telling.
We're talking virtually no inherent flavor whatsoever. Might just as
well suck an ice cube while getting an everclear IV. There's also
that martini glass. Its neon profile has iconized hard liquor for
over half a century. It should be no surprise the hidden persuaders
latched onto it to push the poor man's hard liquor on the new
upcomming drinking generation.

Me, I'm a traditionalist and romantic. Martinis are gin, vodka is for
bloody mary's and pineapple drinks and shouldn't be made with a vodka
that costs more than a decent pizza.

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