Dirty Martini Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the formula for a dirty martini? ›

Stir together vodka, dry vermouth, brine, and olives in a mixing glass. Pour into a glass or shaker with ice. Serve on the rocks, or strain into chilled co*cktail glasses. Enjoy!

The classic gin or vodka Martini omits the olive brine entirely. The Dirty Martini is where things start to get crazy: Bartenders add a quarter-ounce of olive brine to the co*cktail. Add more than that, and you're slipping into Filthy Martini territory.

A gin martini is generally more botanical in flavor, while often vodka lends the co*cktail a smoother, cleaner taste. When you add olive juice to the mix, a dirty gin martini tends to be more complex in flavor, whereas dirty vodka martinis often have a more one-note olive flavor. It's up to you which is best!

Carpano Bianco

Carpano is aromatic and floral with bright citrus notes. The residual sugar in its bianco-style vermouth makes it a robust match for olive brine in a dirty Martini. Alternatively, pair it with a pickled co*cktail onion in a classic Gibson.

Though many dirty martini recipes call for a splash, Carlson-Tye believes there is no need. She mixed me one with vermouth and one without, and I agree. Vermouth, in its herbal sourness, works against the olive juice.

There is a fine line when it comes to brine, and this drink can go from delightful to disgusting really quickly. Customizable with gin or vodka, a touch of vermouth and defiled with olive juice, if you like your martini dirty, you're hip, swanky, stylish…

An unspoken superstition deems an even number of olives bad luck. Like avoiding a black cat in an alleyway, most seasoned bartenders will only serve Martinis with one or three olives (never two or four). The origins of this superstition remain a mystery, but are adamantly followed.

DIRTY. For those who like their co*cktails to have a savoury edge, the Dirty Martini is a delicious, slightly salty, choice. The term 'dirty' means that olive brine, usually from a jar of co*cktail olives, has been added to the drink.

If you want a martini with gin, just order a “martini”. Any bar worth its liquor license will make it with gin. But if you'd prefer vodka, make sure you specify a “vodka martini”. And don't listen to martini purists – there's absolutely nothing wrong with ordering a vodka-based martini, if that's what you prefer.

Now a dirty vodka martini is my go-to drink when I crave a crisp co*cktail after work or want to feel classy at dinner with friends. The beauty of this drink is that it doesn't require many ingredients, just the right (quality) ones. It really comes back to those bar cart essentials.

What makes a martini not dirty? ›

A dirty martini means that olive juice or olive brine is mixed in. This can be on its own, or in addition to “with a twist” for a lemon brine or “with an olive”. A clean martini refers to a martini served without a garnish.

Sweet Vermouth was initially used as a co*cktail ingredient to lower the overall alcohol content of a co*cktail with a strong spirit as their base, but Vermouth also adds a mellow herbal flavour and aroma to your drink. Vermouth is actually a type of fortified wine flavoured with various botanicals.

Classic martinis are typically either garnished with an olive or multiple olives on a skewer for a savory infusion. While ordering your co*cktail “with a twist” means that your co*cktail will come with a piece of lemon rind giving your martini a bit of a citrusy taste.

Whether you like your Martini with Gin or Vodka, and dirty or down right filthy, Doc Elliott's Olive Bitters is the secret to making this Dirty Martini deliciously savory.

To make a basic brine, you will need 2 cups of green olives, 2 cups water, 1/2 cup dry vermouth, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and 2 tablespoons salt. Any of these can be adjusted to taste as you perfect your recipe.

What's the best vodka for Dirty Martinis? With its savory and spicy notes of black pepper and brown bread, Chopin Rye Vodka is the best vodka for Dirty Martinis, featuring dry vermouth, olive brine, and olives.

Build the drink: Place the gin or vodka and dry vermouth in a mixing glass. Stir and strain: Add cubed ice and stir for 30 seconds until the Martini is chilled. Strain the drink into your chilled Martini glass. Garnish the drink: Pare a lemon peel, and express (pinch) the back of the lemon peel over the martini.

A dirty martini means that olive juice or olive brine is mixed in. This can be on its own, or in addition to “with a twist” for a lemon brine or “with an olive”. A clean martini refers to a martini served without a garnish.