50/50 Martini
The 50/50 Martini is a sophisticated and highly drinkable twist on the world's most famous cocktail. By using an equal-parts ratio of gin to dry vermouth, it dials back the boozy punch of a Dry Martini, creating a softer, more aromatic, and flavorful experience. This preparation highlights the botanical qualities of both the gin and the vermouth, resulting in a harmonious and elegant aperitif. It's the perfect choice for those who find a traditional Dry Martini too austere or spirit-forward.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The 50/50 Martini is a classic cocktail and a historical variation of the iconic Martini. It is typically categorized as an aperitif, meant to be enjoyed before a meal. Its straightforward composition places it firmly within the family of classic stirred drinks.
Serving
This is a spirit-forward but balanced cocktail served very cold and "up" (without ice) in a chilled Martini or Coupe glass. Its alcohol content is significant but moderated by the equal part of lower-ABV vermouth.
Serving size
Approximately 90-120 ml / 3-4 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Martini or Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
The 50/50 Martini is a throwback to the earlier days of the Martini's evolution in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when vermouth played a much more prominent role. As the 20th century progressed, tastes shifted towards much drier Martinis with only a whisper of vermouth. The revival of classic cocktail culture has brought the 50/50 back into the spotlight, where it is appreciated for its perfect balance and historical significance.
Origin
This style of Martini originated in the United States around the turn of the 20th century. It represents an early, popular form of the Martini before the widespread trend for exceptionally "dry" versions took hold in the mid-1900s.
50/50 Martini
The 50/50 Martini is also known as the Fifty-Fifty Martini or Equal Parts Martini, names that directly describe its core recipe of equal measures of gin and vermouth. Some may refer to it as a type of "Wet Martini," a broader term for any Martini with a significant amount of vermouth.
Original name
50/50 Martini
Alternative names
- Fifty-Fifty Martini
- Equal Parts Martini
Characteristics overview
The 50/50 Martini offers a silky, smooth texture with a balanced, herbal flavor where neither gin nor vermouth dominates. Its aromatic bouquet and clean, warming aftertaste make it a refreshing and sophisticated year-round sipper.
Flavor
Herbal, botanical, crisp, slightly sweet, juniper, wine-like
Aroma
Aromatic, botanical, juniper, herbal, citrus
Taste balance
Balanced, spirit-forward, semi-dry
Aftertaste
Clean, long, herbal, warming
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Clear, pale straw
Texture
Silky, smooth, slightly viscous
Seasonality
Refreshing, year-round
Flavor intensity & Experience
The 50/50 Martini is moderately intense, with a prominent botanical and herbal character from the gin and vermouth. It is strong in alcohol but perfectly balanced, with very low sweetness and no fizziness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This simple yet elegant cocktail requires only three key ingredients: equal parts London Dry Gin and dry vermouth, plus a dash of orange bitters. The quality of each component is crucial for the final result.
- London Dry Gin45 ml / 1.5 ozA high-quality, botanical-forward gin works best to complement the vermouth.
- Dry Vermouth45 ml / 1.5 ozUse a fresh, quality dry vermouth. Keep it refrigerated after opening to maintain its flavor.
- Orange Bitters1 dashAdds complexity and bridges the flavors of the gin and vermouth.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need standard bar tools for a stirred cocktail: a mixing glass for combining and chilling the ingredients, a jigger for measuring, a bar spoon for stirring, and a strainer.
- Mixing glass for chilling and combining ingredients.
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours.
- Bar spoon for stirring.
- Hawthorne or Julep strainer for straining into the glass.
Instructions
The method involves chilling a glass, stirring the gin, vermouth, and bitters with ice in a separate mixing glass, and then straining into the chilled glass. A lemon twist garnish completes the drink.
1. Chill your Martini or Coupe glass by filling it with ice and water, or by placing it in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
2. Fill a mixing glass with plenty of cubed ice.
3. Measure and pour the gin and dry vermouth into the mixing glass.
4. Add one dash of orange bitters.
5. Stir the mixture with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until it is well-chilled and properly diluted.
6. Discard the ice from your prepared serving glass.
7. Strain the contents of the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
8. Cut a swath of lemon peel, express the oils over the surface of the drink by twisting the peel, then drop it into the glass as a garnish.
Garnishing
The classic garnish is a lemon twist, whose expressed citrus oils brighten the drink's aromatics. A green olive is a common alternative for those who prefer a savory note.
- Lemon twist, expressed over the drink to release its oils and then dropped in.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is alcoholic and generally free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets, assuming the vermouth used is vegan-friendly.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a relatively low-calorie cocktail for its strength, containing around 160 kcal. It is also very low in carbohydrates and sugar, with just a couple of grams per serving coming from the vermouth.
Calories
Averagely 150-170 kcal / 627-711 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 1-2 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 1-2 g
Sugar level
Occasions
The 50/50 Martini is an excellent aperitif, perfect for stimulating the palate before a meal. It is a sophisticated choice for cocktail parties, elegant gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a classic, well-balanced drink.
- Pre-dinner drink
- Cocktail party
- Sophisticated gathering
- Aperitif hour
Pairing suggestions
The 50/50 Martini pairs beautifully with savory and salty appetizers. Its clean, herbal profile complements briny foods like oysters and olives, as well as cured meats and mild cheeses, making it a perfect pre-dinner drink.
- Oysters
- Olives
- Salted almonds
- Charcuterie board
- Mild cheeses
The 50/50 Martini: A Study in Perfect Balance
The 50/50 Martini is a perfectly balanced and elegant cocktail that harks back to the original style of Martinis. By using equal measures of gin and dry vermouth, it creates a smoother, more flavorful experience than its drier counterparts, showcasing the complex botanicals of both spirits. It is an ideal aperitif for those who appreciate a less spirit-forward but equally sophisticated drink. A simple stir and a lemon twist are all that's needed to craft this timeless classic.
Variations
Similar cocktails
Perfect Martini
A balanced and sophisticated take on the classic Martini, featuring equal parts sweet and dry vermouth for a complex, semi-sweet flavor profile.
Martinez
The Martinez is a classic, spirit-forward cocktail often cited as the direct precursor to the modern Dry Martini, balancing the sweetness of Old Tom gin and vermouth with herbal complexity.