FIFTY FIFTY

The Fifty Fifty is simply a really old school Martini that has more influence from vermouth, which creates a light and flavorful drink. When the Martini was first created it was a 1:1 ratio of gin and dry vermouth with a lemon peel, not the chilled vodka with olive brine that it has become.

Whenever making a gin martini (or one of its’ variations) it is good practice to refuse Mr. Bond’s advice and stir it. Gin is created by adding a balanced selection of botanicals to a neutral spirit and some of its’ aromatic glory is lost in the turbulence of shaking. Martini type drinks are best when they are cold so I usually make smaller versions that can be finished before they hit room temperature. 

If you want to stick with a more typical dry martini flavor you can use any dry white vermouth you like. However, I tend to enjoy using a sweet white vermouth in the Fifty Fifty, such as Dolin Blanc, because I think it is a refreshing contrast to the standard extremely dry martini.

There are tons of vermouths to choose from, and hopefully one day I will go through a bunch of them, but a great place to start is with Dolin Blanc or Dolin Dry depending on what style cocktail you are shooting for. Other solid offerings include: Noilly Prat, Vya, Manuel Acha, or Carpano Dry.

VERMOUTH DOES GO BAD!

Any type of vermouth, once opened, should be stored in your refrigerator and used within about 1 1/2 months. Vermouth is a fortified wine and although it will not go bad overnight like a normal wine, it does slowly oxidize and if left too long will lose all of its aroma and take on bitter or vinegary flavors.

PRINT RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 Oz Gin of your choice
• 1 1/2 Oz Dry or Blanc Vermouth - (Sweet or Dry white vermouth)
• 2 Dashes Orange Bitters
• 1 Lemon Peel

Instructions

• Add the bitters, Gin and Vermouth to a mixing glass or shaker tin.
• Add ice and stir until desired chill and dilution is reached.
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Express the lemon oils over the drink and drop the peel in for garnish.

Tag me at @mydrinkinghobby when you make this!