50/50 Martini recipe
A balanced classic martini blending equal parts crisp gin and aromatic dry vermouth with a citrus twist.
Method: Stir ·
Glass: Chilled Coupe ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: The Martini Family
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz London Dry Gin
- 1.5 oz Dry Vermouth
- 2 dashes Orange Bitters
How to make a 50/50 Martini
- Combine the gin, dry vermouth, and orange bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly for thirty seconds to chill and dilute properly.
- Strain the liquid into a chilled coupe glass.
- Express the oils from a fresh lemon peel over the drink.
- Drop the lemon twist into the glass as a garnish.
Garnish
Garnish with a lemon twist expressed over the surface.
Pro tip
Store your dry vermouth in the refrigerator after opening to maintain its bright botanical flavors and prevent premature oxidation in your drink.
History of the 50/50 Martini
The fifty-fifty ratio reflects the early days of the martini when bartenders combined equal parts gin and sweet or dry vermouth. As public tastes shifted toward drier drinks over the decades, this balanced proportion became a prized throwback for classic cocktail enthusiasts.
Flavour profile
Botanical, Crisp, Dry, Citrusy
Variations
- Perfect 50/50 — Split the vermouth portion equally between sweet and dry vermouth.
- Salty Dog Martini — Add a pinch of sea salt and substitute grapefruit bitters for orange bitters.
- Herbal 50/50 — Infuse the dry vermouth with fresh rosemary and thyme before mixing.
Practise making the 50/50 Martini in the free Virtual Bar game.