Martini (50-50)

A 50/50 simply means that there is an equal amount of gin and vermouth and it also has the addition of orange bitters. Some would say that this 1:1 ratio martini is a different animal altogether. But I think it has its place here; not only is it historically important, but it’s also had a resurgence in modern bars. It’s relaxed and effortless, a delightful aperitif.

1½ oz gin (45 mL)
1½ oz vermouth (45 mL)
2 dashes orange bitters

Chill a cocktail glass in the freezer.

Pour gin, vermouth and orange bitters into your mixing glass.

Add ice and stir for 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Using a vegetable peeler, cut a nice wide piece of lemon peel. Take the peel in both hands, yellow side facing down over the drink. Pinch it down the length using thumbs and fore- and middle fingers of both hands (like pincers) so that the oils from the peel spritz the top of the cocktail.

Drag the yellow side of the peel around the rim of the glass, twist it into a nice shape, toss it in the glass and serve.

Makes 1 cocktail.