Olive or Twist

I really like this article. It has musings about cocktails, their history, and even art.

http://www.artsjournal.com/outthere/2007/09/olive_or_twist.html

Though there's a bit of hyperbole, I particularly agree with this:

I wish I could see the transformed face of the lucky soul who lifted the first martini. Of course, one of the reasons the martini thrives (gin, not vodka!) is that, as I've written before, the first glacial sip is always a revelation, the second a verification.

And I think he has a good perspective on the whole cocktail phenomenon when it's at its best :

Just like any other art form, a bad cocktail leaves one shaken, while a great cocktail leaves one stirred.

Nice writing, too. Take a look.