The VODKA MARTINEZ. That's right, Vodka.

A friend came to visit last night and, as always, brought a bottle of booze along. (Good friends who come to drink are the ones who bring booze with them.) I told him I would make him a Martinez since he had never tried one, but he brought vodka instead of the Old Tom style gin I'd asked for, killing off the idea of the classic Martinez. At least until I thought about it for a second and said, why not?   Why not try the gin based Martinez with vodka? Vodka is sort of gin without botanicals in it, the sweet vermouth has a goodly amount botanicals on it's own. I figured it was worth a try so I did. To balance out for the sweeter, botanical forward qualities of Old Tom gin I added a bit more of the sweet vermouth and an extra layer of bitters. I liked it, he loved it, but he's not a gin lover so he doesn't count. Also he didn't bring me gin so he still has nothing to compare it to. I still prefer the gin Martinez, but I can't deny the vodka was decent replacement and it made a great aperitivo before the pork tenderloin roulade dinner I'd made.   I couldn't truly call it a Martinez, but then maybe all I needed to do was add Vodka in front. After all the Vodka Martini has made a name for itself, maybe it was time for the (so-called) father of the Martini to get a vodka version of its own.  

  The VODKA Martinez   INGREDIENTS 1 Oz. Vodka, Chilled 1 Oz Sweet Vermouth, Chilled 1 Barspoon Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur 4 Dashes of Orange Bitters   Garnish: Luxardo Maraschino Cherry, Orange Twist   Tools: Mixing Glass, Bar Spoon   Glass: Cocktail (Martini)   DIRECTIONS Stir ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice until very cold, pour into a chilled glass, garnish and serve.   PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY