A Dirty Martini is a cocktail with character—bold, briny, and effortlessly smooth. Whether you prefer gin or vodka, this classic drink is all about balance, bringing together dry vermouth and olive brine for a perfectly savory sip. It’s a go-to for those who love a cocktail with a bit of edge, and once you get the hang of it, you can tweak it to match your taste. I’ve made this drink countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to get it just right. Let’s get started!
Dirty Martini
Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 2.5 oz (75ml) gin or vodka – Gin adds a botanical touch, while vodka keeps it smooth and clean.
- 0.5 oz (15ml) dry vermouth – A little goes a long way in rounding out the flavors.
- 0.5 oz (15ml) olive brine – Adjust to taste for more or less “dirtiness.”
- Ice – Plenty for chilling.
- 1–3 olives – For garnish (stuffed olives add extra flavor).
Glass: A classic Martini glass works best, but a coupe glass gives a vintage feel.
How to Make a Dirty Martini
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Pour in the gin or vodka, followed by the dry vermouth and olive brine.
- Stir for about 30 seconds—this chills the drink without over-diluting it.
- Strain into a chilled Martini glass.
- Garnish with one to three olives, depending on your preference.
Tip: Stirring gives a smoother texture, while shaking makes it extra cold and slightly cloudy. Try both and see which you prefer!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Batching: If making multiple martinis, mix the ingredients in a pitcher and store in the fridge. Stir with ice before serving.
- Vermouth Storage: Keep dry vermouth in the fridge after opening—it stays fresh for about a month.
- Olive Brine: If you love Dirty Martinis, buy a bottle of high-quality olive brine for a cleaner, more consistent flavor.
How to Customize Your Dirty Martini
- More or Less “Dirty” – Add more brine for a saltier kick or dial it back for a milder taste.
- Different Garnishes – Try blue cheese-stuffed olives, lemon twists, or even a cocktail onion for a Dirty Gibson.
- Gin vs. Vodka – Gin adds herbal depth, while vodka keeps it crisp and clean.
I’ve played around with different ratios, and I’ve found that just a touch more olive brine makes for the perfect balance of salty and smooth. Experiment and see what works best for you!
Dirty Martini Variations
Extra Dirty Martini
- What’s different? More olive brine for an even saltier, bolder flavor.
- How to make it: Follow the classic recipe but increase the olive brine to 0.75 oz (22ml) or more.
Dirty Gibson
- What’s different? Swaps olives for a cocktail onion.
- How to make it: Make a Dirty Martini as usual but garnish with a pickled cocktail onion instead of olives.
Spicy Dirty Martini
- What’s different? A little heat from hot sauce or jalapeño.
- How to make it: Add a dash of hot sauce or a slice of jalapeño to the mixing glass before stirring.
Non-Alcoholic Dirty Martini
- What’s different? No alcohol, just the briny goodness.
- How to make it: Mix ice-cold water, a splash of olive brine, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve in a chilled glass with an olive garnish.
Food Pairings
A Dirty Martini pairs beautifully with salty, rich foods. Here are some of my favorites:
- Charcuterie – Cured meats like prosciutto or salami bring out the briny notes.
- Cheese – Creamy options like blue cheese or goat cheese contrast the sharpness of the drink.
- Oysters – Their natural saltiness makes them a perfect match.
Common Questions
What’s the best gin for a Dirty Martini?
A London Dry Gin works best, but feel free to experiment with different brands to find your favorite.
Can I use vodka instead of gin?
Absolutely! Vodka gives a smoother, more neutral taste, letting the olive brine shine.
Should I shake or stir my Dirty Martini?
Stirring creates a smoother drink, while shaking makes it colder and slightly cloudy. Try both and see which you prefer!
How much olive brine should I use?
Start with 0.5 oz (15ml) and adjust to taste. Some like it just lightly “dirty,” while others go all in.
How can I make a healthier Dirty Martini?
Use low-sodium olive brine and cut back on the amount if you’re watching your salt intake.
A Dirty Martini is all about personal taste, so don’t be afraid to tweak it until it’s just right. Whether you like it extra briny, a little spicy, or perfectly classic, it’s a drink that never goes out of style. Cheers!
