Is Martini the proper term when you want it with Vodka?

Question

I know that a classic martini is made with gin but I've heard that nowadays it's okay to ask for one with vodka and still call it a martini if it is served with olives. Thoughts?

I've also gotten in a big fight with a local NYC bartender for making my extra dry martini with extra vermouth because the vermouth bottle said "extra dry". He seemed to be convinced he was right based on his years of experience making them that way. I'm certain he was wrong. I've also run into this problem when I was traveling to small towns on business and had to eat at Applebee's or TGIFs. I suppose it was my mistake to order a martini in places like that anyway. Anybody? 

www.inbundles.com

Answer

Whoa, that's a big cocktail. I've never made one, but doesn't the vodka just dilute the gin botanicals? I don't understand this drink. Why not just make a martini with Lillet instead of dry vermouth?

Answer

This is a link to a great little article on the martini.

http://www.drinkboy.com/Articles/Article.aspx?itemid=18

The guy who runs this site really knows his stuff especially in the history department.

Answer

Not much more to add here...but here it goes anyway.

My take is that a "dry" martini has evolved to mean less (if any, in the case of Winston Churchill) dry vermouth, and not that you want to have it made with dry vermouth. Similar to a Manhattan, which would be made with just sweet vermouth unless ordered as "perfect Manahattan" which then gets you dry and sweet vermouth.

As for the Vesper, it is a remarkable cocktail. The origin is completely tongue in cheek by Ian Fleming, who was determined to make Bond bigger than life and the ultimate man's man. The Lillet Blanc is much smoother and just a hint fruiter and sweeter than dry vermouth. The vodka and gin mix is just Bond being Bond. However, this is a tremendously sophisticated cocktail and I urge you to try it, in the proportions listed below. I use Plymouth gin and Ketel One vodka in mine.

Answer

Old jokes, have your mother-in-law walk theoug

Answer

It is if you are holding a purse.

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Is Martini the proper term when you want it with Vodka?

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