The 50/50: The Gentler Martini Riff For Beginners - Chowhound

The origins of the 50/50 martini are a bit muddled. Early versions of the drink can be found in the "New and Improved Bartender's Manual," first published by bartender Harry Johnson in 1888. The drink isn't called a 50/50 martini in the book, but rather a "Martini cocktail," and it isn't an exact copy of the present day 50/50 martini, either. It does call for equal parts gin and sweet vermouth, with the addition…