Skip to main content
Epicurious

Fifty-Fifty Martini

4.4

(6)

A 5050 Martini on a marble counter.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell

Cocktail historian David Wondrich prefers his Martinis this way—that is, with equal parts gin and vermouth, as they were served circa 1910. To achieve the right flavor balance, he suggests using a high-proof, full-bodied gin that can stand up to the vermouth. For the sake of historical accuracy, he also recommends straining the drink into a chilled cocktail coupe (a stemmed glass with a wide, shallow bowl), because the martini glass as we know it didn't come on the scene until the 1920s.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 1 drink

Ingredients

Cracked ice
1 ½ ounces London dry gin, such as Tanqueray
1 ½ ounces dry vermouth, preferably Noilly Prat
2 dashes orange bitters
Small piece lemon peel

Preparation

  1. In mixing glass or cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine gin, vermouth, and bitters. Stir well, about 20 seconds, then strain into cocktail coupe or martini glass. Twist lemon peel directly over drink to release essential oils, and serve.

TagsCocktailAlcoholBeveragesMartiniVermouthGinQuickEasy30 Minutes or Less5 Ingredients or FewerNo-CookEpicurious

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Read More
Mango Sticky Rice
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
Easy Egg Custard
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
Simple Hot Cocoa for One
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
Buttermilk Corn Pasta
This pasta starring summer corn achieves its savory, creamy sauce thanks to one special ingredient: buttermilk powder.
Pad Kra Pao
This fast stir-fry dish pairs minced pork and fragrant basil with hot Thai chiles and a crispy fried egg.
Dulce de Leche
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
Steak Salad With Feta Dressing
Juicy steak, crisp lettuce, and a blender dressing come together for a breezy summer dinner.
Frozen Espresso Martini With Spiked Whipped Cream
This frozen cocktail uses instant espresso for a strong flavor and unbeatable convenience.