Perfectly Balanced 50/50 Martini

When you’re seeking the perfect balance between spirit and vermouth, the 50/50 Martini stands as a testament to cocktail perfection. We’ve discovered that this equal-parts masterpiece offers a gentler introduction to the classic Martini while maintaining its sophisticated essence.

A martini with a lemon twist sits on a black tray beside a cocktail strainer, green leaves, a decanter, and a shaker.

What Is a 50/50 Martini Cocktail?

The 50/50 Martini represents the harmonious marriage of equal parts gin or vodka and dry vermouth. This variation emerged during the golden age of cocktails, when vermouth was celebrated rather than merely whispered over the glass. Unlike its drier modern cousins, this recipe honors both spirits equally.

A 50/50 martini with lemon peel sits beside a decanter, cocktail shaker, greenery, and strainer.

What you’ll love about this recipe:

SMOOTH – The balanced proportions create a smoother, more approachable Martini that lets you appreciate the complex botanicals of both spirits.
CLASSIC – You’ll discover a lower-proof alternative that maintains the elegance of a classic Martini while offering more nuanced flavors.

What You Need to Make a 50/50 Martini Cocktail

Spirit Base (2 oz): Choose between a London Dry gin for botanical complexity or premium vodka for pristine clarity.
Dry Vermouth (2 oz): Fresh, high-quality dry vermouth – we suggest Dolin or Noilly Prat.
Garnish: Lemon twist or olives, depending on your spirit choice.

How to Make a 50/50 Martini Cocktail

Fill your mixing glass with fresh, quality ice cubes.
Measure and add your chosen spirit and vermouth in equal portions.
Stir gently for 30 seconds until properly chilled and diluted.
Strain into a chilled coupe or Martini glass.
Express the oils from a lemon twist over the surface or add olives.

Bartender’s Tips

Tip 1: Store your vermouth in the refrigerator after opening – it’s wine-based and will maintain freshness for about a month.
Tip 2: For optimal temperature, chill your glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Tip 3: Consider experimenting with different vermouths to find your perfect match – each brand brings unique aromatics.

A clear 50/50 cocktail garnished with a lemon twist is served in a crystal coupe glass beside a gold strainer on a dark surface.

How to Serve This 50/50 Martini Cocktail

Serve in a properly chilled coupe or Martini glass. For gin, we prefer a lemon twist to highlight the citrus notes. With vodka, Spanish olives provide a savory complement.

More Cocktail Recipes

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Explore our collection of classic Martini variations, including the Vesper and Gibson. Join our newsletter for weekly cocktail inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

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A clear vodka martini with olives rests on a gold tray beside a brown vase of dried flowers.

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A lemon twist-garnished wet martini in a coupe glass sits on a gold-patterned coaster on a marble surface, with a glass, strainer, and vase in the background.

Perfect Wet Martini

A French Martini cocktail garnished with three skewered raspberries sits on a tiled surface with shadows.

Elengant French Martini

Prep Time:5

Total Time:5

Ingredients

2 oz Vodka or Gin
2 oz Dry Vermouth
Lemon or Olives to garnish

Instructions

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake until chill.
Strain and garnish.

Video

Servings: 1 cocktail

Author: Kita

Recipe FAQs

Can I batch this cocktail for a dinner party?

Don’t be crass. While possible, we recommend mixing individual servings to maintain optimal temperature and dilution. Besides, half the fun of a perfect martini is the joy of the presentation.

Which gin works best in a 50/50 Martini?

London Dry gins with prominent juniper notes create the most traditional profile, though modern gins can offer interesting botanical variations.

Why is this called a “wet” Martini?

The term “wet” refers to the higher proportion of vermouth compared to modern Martini specs, which often use minimal vermouth. See our proper Wet Martini recipe.

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