 The Molotov cocktail is a term coined by the Finns during the Winter War , as a generic name used for a variety of improvised incendiary weapons . During the Winter War , the Soviet air force made extensive use of incendiaries and cluster bombs against Finnish troops and fortifications . When Molotov claimed in radio broadcasts that they were not bombing , but rather delivering food to the starving Finns , the Finns started to call the air bombs Molotov bread baskets . Soon they responded by attacking advancing tanks with " Molotov cocktails , " which were " a drink to go with the food . " According to Montefiore , the Molotov cocktail was one part of Molotov 's " cult of personality that the vain Premier surely did not appreciate . " 
