Calories:150
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:1g
Alcohol:20%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The Fifty-Fifty cocktail, also known as the Perfect Martini, is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century. It is a variation of the traditional Martini, with equal parts gin and vermouth, which gives it a more balanced flavor profile. This cocktail is often enjoyed by those who find the classic Martini too dry and prefer a more approachable, yet still sophisticated, drink.
The Fifty-Fifty cocktail has a balanced, smooth, and slightly herbal taste. It is not too sweet, nor too dry, making it a perfect middle ground between the classic Martini and sweeter cocktails. The gin and vermouth combine to create a complex, yet approachable flavor profile.
A few good options for Fifty-Fifty are:
Gin acts as the spirit base of this cocktail, offering a botanical bouquet that includes juniper, coriander, citrus peels, and many other possible herbs and spices. The 1.5oz measure keeps the cocktail balanced with equal parts of vermouth. Too much gin and you might as well be walking through a pine forest; too little and the vermouth will steal the show.
Vermouth is a fortified and aromatized wine, which provides complexity and depth to the cocktail. Equal parts ensure that the vermouth harmonizes with the gin, giving the cocktail its characteristic 'fifty-fifty' name. Forget about it and your drink turns into a lonely gin swirl; an overdose and you're dining with the herbs.
A couple dashes of orange bitters add a subtle citrusy spiciness, enhancing the other ingredients without overpowering them. It’s like the salt in cooking – just enough to enhance, too much could be a deal-breaker.
The garnish is more than just eye-candy; it provides an aromatic introduction before you even take a sip. Lemon twist lends a zesty, bright aroma, while the olive rounds out the drink with a briny note. No garnish, no party – it’s that simple. The choice between the two is like choosing between Beatles and Stones – both are classics, just depends on your mood.
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*Swap out the regular gin for a citrus-forward gin like Tanqueray No. Ten, and replace the orange bitters with grapefruit bitters. Garnish with a grapefruit twist instead of lemon or olive. This gives the drink a zestier edge, perfect for those late summer evenings.
*Stir in a bar spoon of olive brine with the gin and vermouth. Garnish with a few olives skewered on a pick. It's like the classy cousin of a Dirty Martini, adding a savory character that loves to mingle at the antipasto table.
*Use a rose-infused gin and a dash of rose water in addition to the orange bitters and garnish with an edible rose petal. This variation offers a floral twist to the traditional recipe, creating a drink that's as aromatic as it is beautiful, perfect for a romantic evening or a fancy brunch.
Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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A good quality, dry gin is recommended for the Fifty-Fifty to maintain its balanced flavor. A London Dry gin would be a good fit.
The Fifty-Fifty cocktail is best enjoyed cold, typically served at a temperature close to freezing point (0 degrees celsius or 32 degrees fahrenheit).
Non-alcoholic gin and a non-alcoholic aperitif can be used as substitutes for gin and vermouth respectively.
Yes, but it may alter the flavor. The original recipe calls for orange bitters.
Its sophisticated and balanced flavor makes it suitable for formal occasions and relaxed gatherings alike. It's also a good choice for cocktail hours.
The Bijou cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste, featuring herbal and botanical notes from the gin and green Chartreuse, sweetness from the sweet vermouth, and a hint of bitterness from the orange bitters. It is a strong, rich, and slightly sweet drink with a smooth and velvety texture.
The Tuxedo cocktail is a complex and balanced drink with a slightly sweet, herbal, and citrusy flavor profile. It has a smooth and silky texture, with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth and a warming, slightly spicy finish from the gin.
The Bamboo cocktail has a delicate, balanced taste with a hint of sweetness and a touch of dryness. It is light, refreshing, and slightly herbal, making it a perfect choice for an aperitif or a sophisticated afternoon drink.
The Last Word is a well-balanced cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It is simultaneously sweet, sour, herbal, and slightly bitter. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the Chartreuse adds a rich, herbal complexity. The maraschino liqueur brings a touch of sweetness, and the lime juice adds a refreshing, tart finish.
The Boomerang cocktail has a well-balanced taste, with a perfect mix of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. It is refreshing and light, with a subtle hint of fruitiness from the orange liqueur.
The Nevada cocktail has a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors, with a hint of fruity and herbal notes. It is a refreshing and light cocktail with a smooth, velvety texture.
The Apple Martini has a sweet and sour taste, with a crisp and refreshing apple flavor. It is well-balanced, with a slight tartness from the apple and a smooth, velvety finish from the vodka.
The Vesper Martini has a strong, bold, and slightly bitter taste with a smooth, silky finish. The combination of gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc creates a complex, well-balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and invigorating.
The Lemon Drop Martini has a bright, zesty, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of lemon juice and simple syrup creates a perfect balance of sour and sweet, while the vodka adds a smooth and strong kick. The sugar rim adds an extra touch of sweetness to each sip.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
The Dirty Martini has a bold, savory taste with a hint of saltiness from the olive brine. It is a strong, slightly bitter cocktail with a smooth finish.
The Bronx cocktail has a refreshing, citrusy taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a well-balanced mix of strong gin, tangy orange juice, and herbal vermouth, making it a smooth and easy-to-drink cocktail.
The Polar Bear is a cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It's strong, with the mezcal providing a smoky base, while the vermouth adds a touch of sweetness. The creme de menthe gives it a refreshing minty taste, and the angelica tincture or celery bitters add a hint of bitterness. It's a cocktail that's both refreshing and warming, perfect for a cold winter's night.
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
The Gin and Tonic is a refreshing, crisp, and slightly bitter cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The botanical flavors of the gin are complemented by the sharpness of the tonic water, creating a balanced and invigorating drink.
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
