Martini purists a little stirred

“A straight vodka martini is a cocktail with a hole in the middle.” [“Flowering of Cool New Gins,” July 12.] I couldn’t agree more! I am so glad someone is giving this crazy vodka craze a slam.

JANET MCCRACKEN

Pacific Palisades

McCracken is an associate food editor at Bon Appetit magazine.

*

FROM a longtime food writer and bartender (starting at San Francisco Press Club in 1964), thank you for expressing so well what every gin purist should profess.

And by the way, call any drink whatever you like, but if the spirits aren’t flavored with juniper berries, don’t call it a martini.

DAVID SCHWOEGLER

Oakland