Dirty Martini

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A classic martini with a savory twist, featuring gin or vodka, dry vermouth, and olive brine for a perfectly balanced briny cocktail.

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Martini Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (130ml)

London Dry Gin
75 ml
Dry Vermouth
15 ml
Olive brine
15 ml
Olive
3 pieces

Instructions

3 minutes to make

Step

Chill your martini glass by placing it in the freezer for at least 10 minutes, or fill with ice water while preparing the drink.

Step

Fill a mixing glass with plenty of fresh ice and let it chill for a moment.

Step

Add 75ml gin, 15ml dry vermouth, and 15ml olive brine to the mixing glass.

Step

Stir vigorously with a bar spoon for 30-45 seconds until the mixture is very well chilled and properly diluted.

Step

Empty your chilled martini glass and strain the cocktail into it using a Hawthorne strainer.

Step

Garnish with 3 green olives on a cocktail pick and serve immediately.

Equipment

Mixing glass

Bar spoon

Hawthorne Strainer

Jigger

Description

The Dirty Martini is a sophisticated variation of the classic martini that adds olive brine to create a savory, briny edge. This cocktail combines premium gin or vodka with dry vermouth and high-quality olive brine, resulting in a perfectly balanced drink that’s both refreshing and complex. The addition of olive brine transforms the traditional martini into something uniquely satisfying for those who appreciate savory cocktails.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (130ml)

Calories

165

ABV

27 %

Alcohol

22 g

Carbs

2 g

Carbs from Sugar

1 g

Fat

0 g

Protein

0 g

Sodium

380 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

Always use fresh, high-quality olive brine from premium olives. Avoid using brine that tastes overly salty or vinegary as it will overpower the drink.
Stir rather than shake to maintain clarity and proper texture. Stirring for 30-45 seconds achieves optimal dilution and temperature without over-aerating.
For an extra dirty martini, increase olive brine to 22-30ml, but taste as you go to avoid overwhelming the gin's botanicals.
Chill all your equipment beforehand, including the mixing glass and strainer, for the coldest possible cocktail.
Use a 5:1 ratio of gin to vermouth as your starting point, then adjust to personal preference. Fresh vermouth makes a significant difference in taste.

Should I use gin or vodka for a Dirty Martini?

Both are excellent choices. Gin provides botanical complexity that pairs beautifully with olive brine, while vodka offers a cleaner, more neutral base that lets the olive flavor shine. Try both to discover your preference.

How much olive brine should I use?

Start with 15ml for a standard dirty martini. For extra dirty, use 22-30ml, but add gradually and taste. Too much brine can overpower the drink and make it unpleasantly salty.

Should I stir or shake a Dirty Martini?

Stirring is traditional and preferred as it maintains clarity and proper texture. However, shaking is acceptable if you prefer a colder, slightly cloudier martini with more aeration.

What type of olives work best for the brine and garnish?

Castelvetrano, Spanish Queen, or Cerignola olives provide the best brine quality. Avoid overly processed olives with artificial flavors. The brine should taste clean and briny, not harsh or chemical-like.