This post is a good example of how it can be a good thing to let what you write marinate for a bit before you put it up.

I ran across this post about a new cocktail recipe the blogger (FlyboyzNYC is a group blog, and I’m unsure of the specific author) ran across. My first reaction was a derisive cocktail Gnob (Sneek?) sneer. He guesses you could call the drink a wet Martini, but he comes up with the rather street name: The Fitty-Fitty. I’ll admit from the start that the name is clever.
Here’s the recipe:

1 1/2 ounces gin
1 1/2 ounces dry vermouth
a few dashes of orange bitters
Stir with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass

Now, those of us, like Erik Ellestad of Underhill-Lounge, who know all too well about the Savoy Cocktail Book, and other of that vintage, will know that this recipe is what a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away was known as a dry Martini! I laughed and dashed off a pretty prissy two liner, but forgot to publish it.

Since then, I’ve perused Flyboyz a bit, and they do have a legitimate and interesting take on cocktails, among other things. I’m glad I didn’t go with the snark, but I’ll man up and admit it was locked and loaded.

However, rather than just circular file the ill-begotten post, I thought some more. This really is an excellent reminder of what a fluid (har!) hobby we have. What once was a dry Martini is now barely recognizable as a Martini at all, even to folks who patronize joints like the Pegu Club in Manhattan.
Once upon a time, people fought over Rye vs. Bourbon in Julips like they do today over Vodka vs. Gin in Martinis. Mojitos were, not so long ago, a forgotten cocktail that was obscure to begin with. And Vodka was an obscure ingredient, with the Screwdriver an exotic cocktail, less than 60 years ago.

So take a sip, folks! It smells, and tastes, like History.