A lot of people have a love hate relationship with vermouth in martinis.

Over the years I’ve spent behind the bar, I find this preference usually comes from two main reasons.

Firstly, the guest probably had a martini in the past that was made with vermouth that was not properly stored in a fridge after opening. Which basically means they had an inferior in quality martini.

Secondly, the guest has never had a martini with vermouth because let’s be honest, it’s more “popular” to order a martini without vermouth like in the movies.

Because vermouth is a fortified wine it has a lot of beautiful floral notes that work perfectly with gin.

I personally really like vermouth and it’s a very nice sipper on the rocks as well.

The best martini that showcases vermouth is in a 50/50 martini, so let’s make one!

50/50 martini recipe

In a mixing glass

1 dash orange bitters

1 1/2 oz dry vermouth

1 1/2 oz gin

Add ice and stir

Strain into a chilled martini glass

Garnish with a lemon or olive