Fifty-Fifty Cocktail Recipe

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.

• Origin: Early 20th century
• Variation of the traditional Martini
• Preferred by those seeking a more balanced flavor profile

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.

• The name Fifty-Fifty refers to the equal parts gin and vermouth used in the cocktail.
• It is also known as the Perfect Martini, due to its balanced flavor profile.
• The Fifty-Fifty can be garnished with either a lemon twist or an olive, depending on personal preference.

1. Chill a cocktail glass: Fill a cocktail glass with ice and set aside to chill.
2. Combine ingredients: In a mixing glass, combine the gin, vermouth, and orange bitters.
3. Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir well to chill and dilute the cocktail.
4. Strain: Discard the ice from the chilled cocktail glass and strain the cocktail into the glass.
5. Garnish: Garnish with either a lemon twist or an olive, depending on personal preference.

• Use high-quality vermouth: The vermouth is half of this cocktail, so make sure it's a good one.
• Stir, don't shake: This cocktail should be stirred to prevent dilution and maintain clarity.
• Experiment with garnishes: Try both a lemon twist and an olive to see which you prefer.

Appetizers

• Cheeses: The herbal notes of gin and the bittersweet flavor profile of vermouth complement a range of cheeses, especially mild ones like Brie or goat cheese.
• Seafood: Oysters, shrimp, and other light seafood dishes would be a match made in heaven with the clean, botanical notes of the Fifty-Fifty cocktail.
• Salty Snacks: Salted nuts, olives, and even chips can bring out the flavors in the cocktail, while the drink in turn cuts through the saltiness, creating a delightful balance.

Foods

• Grilled Chicken: Something as simple yet savory as a grilled chicken could be taken up a notch when sipped along with this dry and sophisticated drink.
• Sushi: The delicate flavors of sushi align well with the crisp and refined taste of the Fifty-Fifty cocktail.

Desserts

• Lemon Tart: The lemon garnish in the cocktail and the acidity of the lemon tart resonate well together, making for a zesty finish to any meal.

• Gin: If you're not a fan of gin, you can substitute it with vodka for a different flavor profile.
• Vermouth: If you can't find vermouth, you can use a dry white wine instead.
• Orange Bitters: If you don't have orange bitters, you can use Angostura bitters as a substitute.

Citrus Fifty-Fifty

*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.

Dirty Fifty-Fifty

*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.

Rosy Fifty-Fifty

*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.