Dirty Martini

A Dirty Martini is a classic cocktail with a savory twist, perfect for those who enjoy bold and briny flavors.

What is a Dirty Martini?

When it comes to cocktails, few are as iconic as the Dirty Martini. Loved for its sophisticated appeal and bold flavor from just 3 ingredients: Vodka, a dash of dry Vermouth, and a splash of olive brine served into a chilled cocktail glass, this timeless drink has become a staple of classic cocktail culture.

Ingredients for a Dirty Martini

You can create an elegant and flavorful cocktail. Here’s what you’ll need:

Gin or Vodka – The base spirit of the Martini. Gin provides a botanical, herbal flavor, while Vodka offers a smoother, cleaner profile. Choose based on your personal preference.

Dry Vermouth – A fortified wine that adds a subtle, aromatic quality to the drink.

Olive Brine – The “dirty” component that brings a salty, savory edge to the cocktail.

Green Olives – Used as a garnish and a source of brine, olives are a defining feature of Martini.

Ice – Essential for chilling and diluting the cocktail to the perfect balance.

(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

How to Use Dry Vermouth?

This trick I learned during my days as a mixologist enhances the flavor.

• In a Martini glass add 4 drops of dry vermouth and then gently swirl the glass as if tasting wine until covered with liquid, once the glass is covered, we throw away the vermouth, the idea is just to obtain a layer of this ingredient which will add flavor but without potentiating it.

How to Make a Dirty Martini?

Crafting the perfect Martini requires attention to detail and a few simple techniques.

Instructions:

Step 1 Prepare the glass

1. Place your Martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill.
2. Alternatively, fill the glass with ice water while you prepare the cocktail, then discard the ice water before serving.

Step 2: Mix the Cocktail

1. Fill a cocktail shaker or mixing glass with ice.
2. Add Vodka or Gin, dry vermouth, and olive brine to the shaker.
3. Stir the mixture gently with a bar spoon for about 20–30 seconds. Stirring (rather than shaking) ensures the cocktail remains clear and properly diluted.

Step 3: Strain and Serve

1. Garnish with one or more green olives on a cocktail pick, or drop them directly into the glass.

2. Make a Double strain of the cocktail and pour it into your chilled Martini glass using a Hawthorne strainer.

Variations for a Dirty Martini

The recipe is highly customizable, allowing for a variety of creative twists. Here are a few popular variations to try:

But first More martini recipes that you might love: Dry Martini, Classic Cosmopolitan, and Lychee Martini.

1. Extra Dirty

• Increase the amount of olive brine to 1 ounce or more for an extra savory flavor.

2. Filthy Martini

• A Filthy Martini takes the “dirty” concept to the extreme by replacing the vermouth with additional olive juice.

3. Dirty Vodka Martini

• Use vodka instead of gin, many brands such as Grey Goose, Belvedere, Tito´s, or Absolut are the most common brands and of good quality.

4. Dirty Gibson

• Substitute the olive brine and garnish with onions brine and cocktail onions for a tangy twist.

5. Blue Cheese Martini

• Use blue cheese-stuffed olives for a rich, indulgent garnish that complements the savory brine.

When to Serve a Dirty Martini?

The recipe is a versatile cocktail that suits a variety of occasions. Here are a few ideal times to serve it.

Happy hour: Impress your guests with a sophisticated and flavorful drink.

Dinner Parties: Serve as an aperitif to stimulate the appetite before a meal.

Special Occasion: Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party, celebrating a birthday, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home,

Notes:

• Stirred not Shaken- You have the option of not doing it in the shaker if you want the ice not to be diluted in the spirit and therefore have a taste of water

• Chill the glasses -For at least 15 minutes before making the cocktail by putting them in your freezer

Conclusion:

The Dirty Martini is more than just a cocktail—it’s a statement of style and taste. With its rich history, bold flavors, and endless customization options, it has earned its place as a beloved classic in the world of mixology. Whether you’re a seasoned Martini enthusiast or new to the world of cocktails. I hope you enjoyed this Dirty Martini.

Did You Make This Recipe?

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Yield: 1

Dirty Martini

Print

A Dirty Martini is a classic cocktail with a savory twist, perfect for those who enjoy bold and briny flavors.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 oz Vodka or Gin
• 1 ½ oz of olive juice
• 4 drops dry vermouth
• 1 olive skewer for garnish

Instructions

1. In a Martini glass add 4 drops of dry vermouth and then gently swirl the glass as if tasting wine until covered with liquid, once the glass is covered, we throw away the vermouth, the idea is to obtain a layer of this ingredient which will add flavor but without potentiating it.
2. In a cocktail shaker with ice add vodka or gin and the olive juice
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 sec 
4. Strain into a martini glass previously prepared with vermouth, garnish with an olive skewer, and enjoy!

Notes

• Stirred not Shaken- You have the option of not doing it in the shaker if you want the ice not to be diluted in the spirit and therefore have a taste of water
• Chill the glasses -For at least 15 minutes before making the cocktail by putting them in your freezer

Nutrition Information

Yield

1

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 511Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 1355mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 0gSugar 10gProtein 0g

Nutrition information isn´t always accurate!

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