Skip to main content

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.

Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
No grill needed for this just-charred-enough sweet and spicy chicken.
Fontina and fried shallots make this diner-style omelet perfectly acceptable dinner fare.