I always thought that a real martini was made with gin. Recently I learned that the 'real' martini was, in fact, a vodka drink. There may be some disagreement with that but I don't want to hear it. I'm the boss of me.

My new fave is a Gimlet. Good wodka with just a splash of lime over rox, although I find that I have to order it light on the lime in most places. I suspect that over time, I'll be ordering a vodka with a lime twist - although if anyone ever hears me say that, I officially authorize a modest blow to the solar plexus and 10 full minutes of "where's your purse, Nancy?"

My bartender's guide has a vodka/lime juice ratio of this--2oz. : .5oz. But I cannot say that I ever follow the damn thing.

My gimlet ends up being a double glass half full with rocks. FIll the voids with vodka. Crush a lime quarter over the glass and toss it in.

If you're close company, you won't mind me using my lime-soaked finger to mix things up. If not, finger it youself.

Which, is not all that different from what used to be my martinis. I have long been a fan of kelvin temperature vodka and a healthy citrus garnish in a cocktail glass; lemons, limes, oranges--raspberries.

But I am thinking that I need to explore things a bit more. Are there any takers for a bacon flavored martin?

Anyone?

In my 15 or so years tending bar and serving drinks I always made a Martini with gin unless vodka was specified. However, that was the '80's and the tides have changed. Nowadays if you order a Martini you must specify gin if that's what you want.

Cocktails and their ingredients are dynamic and vary over time and from region. For instance, Long Island Tea is made with all of the clear liquors, some sweet& sour mix, and a splash of coke. Since some bars have a clear tequila in the well, sometimes you'll get tequila in there too. However, I've always known a Long Island Tea with tequila added to be a Texas Tea.

An accounting of the various shots and the variation in ingredients could be a novel in and of itself.

On another (unrelated) note, the family and I will be visiting Chicago in August. A trip to Wrigley was planned in any event, but coincidentally the Cards will be in town at the same time we are there. If anyone has a connection for 4 tickets at a reasonable price it would be appreciated.

(And perhaps someone would like to meet me for a drink or 3 while the ladies go to the American Girl store.)

I'd be up for the drink (or three). As for Cubs tickets, I'm still officially on boycott due to the fact that the team is under .500. I haven't paid for a ticket in three seasons.

I'll keep my ears open for any availables.

Glad someone else is boycotting with me. I started watching games again when the Trib sale was announced, but I will not buy a ticket until they are in second place after the month of May.