Dirty Martini

Olive brines takes the classic martini into the world of savory cocktails with this dirty martini recipe. It’s salty thanks to the dash of olive brine and dry from the vermouth and gin, then topped with olives for extra flair.

Why this recipe works

A dirty martini is quite bold in its flavors. It’s dry and salty with a true bite and has long been a favorite of many. It’s now considered a classic cocktail you should try at least once in your life.

It’s quite different from a French Martini, Appletini or any other variations of sweet martinis out there. This one is what I like to call a sophisticated or classy cocktail as you definitely must have an acquired taste for salty, savory drinks to sip on it.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

LIQUEUR – Dirty martinis are made up of 2 different types of liqueurs, dry gin and dry vermouth (vermouth is actually a fortified wine). You can substitute the gin with vodka if desired. Be sure you use dry vermouth, which is the white kind (not sweet, which is normally red).

BRINE – You can use the brine from a jar of olives. This is the easiest way since you’ll likely be getting a jar of green olives for garnish anyhow, but you can also buy prepacked bottles of olive brine made specifically for dirty martinis.

GARNISH – Garnish with regular green olives, stuffed pepper jack cheese, blue cheese stuffed, or garlic and jalapeno stuffed olives. Yum!

How to Make a Dirty Martini

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add gin, dry vermouth, and olive brine.
2. Gently shake for about a minute and strain into a martini glass.
3. Garnish with a cocktail pick of olives.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

There’s a long debate on whether or not you should stir or shake a dirty martini. Whether you choose to use a chilled martini glass, serve it straight, or even it on the rocks – it’s ultimately up to you. Gently shaking it in a cocktail shaker with ice chills the ingredients further, but if you like your martinis warmer then by all means go the route of stirring it in a glass with a long cocktail spoon. Either way will work!

Serving Suggestions

Serve on the rocks or in a chilled martini glass with a cocktail pick of regular or stuffed olives. Dirty martinis pair well with shrimp cocktails, charcuterie boards, baked salmon, or most other seafood options.

More Martini Recipes

• S’mores Martini
• Key Lime Pie Martini
• Pumpkin Pie Martini
• Blackberry Gin Martini
• Blended Frostbite Martini
• Baileys Chocolate Martini
• Espresso Martini

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