Post #17666 by thejab on Tue, Dec 31, 2002 3:50 PM

Getting back to the discussion on vodka: It was practically nonexistent in the U.S. until the 50's, when a fella named Smirnoff wanted to import it from the Soviet Union so he invented a drink called the Moscow Mule (vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice) to increase it's popularity. In the 60s James Bond films increased the popularity of the vodka martini. And in the 70s boring mixed drinks like the screwdriver pratically killed off the classic cocktail. By then rich gourmands were discovering that high-quality vodkas served ice cold were good with caviar, which led to the popularity of Stoli and others.

I would say that for mixing any vodka will do, but for vodka martinis, a good one like Ketel One does the trick. I agree with the ABC that vodkas should have no flavor. That is what the better vodkas do well - a clean flavorless drink. Cheaper vodkas generally impart bad flavors or oiliness. Still, I don't understand the popularity of top shelf vodka. To me a cocktail should have some flavor, and I like the taste of gin (regular Bombay please).

Everyone have a happy new year! I unfortunately will be staying at home with the chicken pox (no, I never had it as a child).