A classic martini that subs vodka for gin probably first surfaced between the 1930s and 1950s when vodka was first introduced to the US. The secret to an excellent martini is properly chilling and diluting it. Be sure to stir for long enough to get it ice cold but not so long that you dilute it to the point of wateriness. Also key in the production of an ideal vodka martini is a freezer chilled stemmed serving vessel to keep the cocktail cold for as long as possible. (Spirits/Cocktails)