Expert: Paul Wagner - 7/7/2006

Question
I am new to the world of Martinis.  I was having dinner with a friend who ordered a potato vodka martini with 3 olives.  I found this particular martini enjoyable and would like to order it for myself.  Am I saying the right thing?

Answer
Hi Stephanie:

Traditional vodkas are all made with potatoes...so your friend is simply asking for a martini made with traditional vodka.  It is true that there are some vodkas now being made from grain...but they are the exception, not the rule.  

Traditional martinis were made with gin and vermouth...but vodka has less flavor than gin.  You might try a couple of different version of these and see which you like best.

Paul Wagner