VODKA MARTINI
The Vodka Martini: A 20th Century Evolution
The Vodka Martini emerged in the mid-20th century as vodka gained popularity in America during the 1950s and 1960s. While the classic Martini was made exclusively with gin since the late 1800s, bartenders began substituting vodka as the spirit became fashionable, according to Liquor.com.
The cocktail follows the traditional Martini formula of spirit and dry vermouth, stirred and served in a chilled martini glass. Using vodka instead of gin creates a cleaner, more neutral profile without gin's botanical complexity, as noted in Difford's Guide.
The Vodka Martini gained cultural prominence through James Bond, who famously ordered his martini "shaken, not stirred" in Ian Fleming's novels starting in the 1950s. Bond's preferred Vesper variation used both vodka and gin, but his association with vodka martinis helped popularize the drink, according to Punch.
By the 1970s and 1980s, the Vodka Martini had largely overtaken the gin version in popularity in American bars. The drink remains a staple, though purists argue the gin Martini is the true classic. The Vodka Martini's simplicity makes it highly customizable, leading to countless variations and garnish options.
RECIPE:
2.5 oz vodka
1/2 oz dry vermouth
Lemon twist or olive for garnish
Method:
Add vodka and dry vermouth to a mixing glass with ice.
Stir until well-chilled, about 30 seconds.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with lemon twist or olive.