Martinis have long been regarded as the epitome of elegance in the cocktail world — whether you prefer yours dry, dirty, or garnished with a twist, each sip embodies sophistication. However, in the 1940s, this refined beverage took an unexpected turn, becoming whimsically known as the “Kangaroo Kicker.” Indeed, before it established itself as a sleek favorite in cocktail lounges, it sported a name reminiscent of a fun outdoor escapade rather than a glamorous evening.

The peculiar origin of this nickname traces back to Oscar Haimo, the premier bartender at the Pierre Hotel in New York City during the 1940s. In his 1943 publication “Cocktail Digest,” Haimo featured his vodka martini recipe under the playful title “Kangaroo Kicker,” honoring Australia, one of America’s allies during World War II. With vodka rising in popularity and a potential shortage of gin on the horizon, Haimo embraced the trend of vodka-based cocktails and bestowed a lively new persona upon the vodka martini. The title served as a lighthearted nod to the drink’s exotic and robust character, because really, who wouldn’t be tempted by a cocktail named “Kangaroo Kicker”? Despite its charming allure, the name was short-lived, soon replaced by the timeless “vodka martini.”

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While it could have been a quirky name for a robust Australian drink, “Kangaroo Kicker” was one of those cocktail titles fated to fade away, despite its moment of fame. Cocktail historian David Wondrich stated in an article for VinePair that the whimsical name scarcely lasted a decade. By the late 1940s, it was already beginning to hop out of the cocktail scene. In 1948, mixologist David A. Embury’s cocktail recipe book “The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks” returned the drink to its original, sophisticated title: the vodka martini.

By the 1960s, vodka had become a staple, and cocktail culture was shifting towards elegance instead of unique novelty. Enter figures like James Bond, whose legendary martini order solidified the vodka martini’s reputation as the pinnacle of sophistication. Nowadays, this stylish drink is celebrated for its adaptability — whether you enjoy a chilled vodka martini or a dirty martini with a hint of olive brine. Yet, the “Kangaroo Kicker” serves as a reminder of the evolving trends and preferences in the cocktail world, its nickname surviving only as a quirky note in cocktail lore. Although it may no longer be featured on drink menus, it makes for an excellent conversational piece at your next cocktail gathering, showcasing your extensive knowledge of the classic martini.

Check out the original article on Chowhound.