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A dirty martini celebrates bold, savory flavors in every sip. The mix of gin, vermouth, and olive brine creates a drink that feels both elegant and comforting. The choice of gin is not just a detailโitโs the defining element that balances the brineโs saltiness and brings depth to the glass.
Choosing the right gin transforms a simple cocktail into a masterpiece. Some gins enhance the brineโs savory notes, while others add complexity with herbal or citrus hints. To help you craft the ultimate dirty martini, here is a handpicked selection of nine exceptional gins, perfect for elevating your next drink.
Table of Contents
Toggle1. Beefeater

A timeless classic, Beefeater stands out for its balance of juniper-forward notes with a blend of citrus and botanicals that complement olive brine beautifully. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a slightly brinier martini.
The approachable flavor profile works equally well in both traditional and extra-dirty variations, making it a trusted option for home bartenders and professionals alike.
Why Beefeater Excels in a Dirty Martini?
Beefeaterโs botanical blendโhighlighting juniper, orange peel, and corianderโadds depth without overpowering the olive brine. Its London Dry foundation ensures the gin holds its own in a cocktail that thrives on bold, savory elements.
Pro Tip
For a dirtier martini, try using Castelvetrano olive brine with Beefeater to enhance its citrus and herbal notes.
2. Monkey 47

With its 47 botanicals sourced from Germanyโs Black Forest, Monkey 47 is a complex and luxurious gin that elevates the dirty martini to an entirely new level. Its bold, peppery finish and subtle floral undertones create a layered experience, ensuring every sip delivers intrigue. While premium in price, its quality shines through in every pour.
What Makes Monkey 47 Stand Out
The inclusion of unique botanicals like lingonberries and elderflower provides an unexpected sweetness that balances the brine.
Monkey 47โs high proof and intricate flavors make it a standout choice when you want a martini with depth and sophistication.
Pro Tip
Use a lighter amount of olive brine to let Monkey 47โs complex profile take center stage.
3. Sipsmith

Sipsmith is a modern gin rooted in tradition, offering a classic London Dry flavor with just the right amount of smoothness. Its harmonious mix of juniper, citrus, and spice creates a clean backdrop for the olive brine to shine, making it a favorite among bartenders and martini lovers.
Why Sipsmith Works for Dirty Martinis
Its balance of strong juniper with softer citrus tones ensures it wonโt be overwhelmed by olive brine. This makes Sipsmith a reliable choice for those who want a straightforward, no-nonsense dirty martini with a refined edge.
Pro Tip
Chill your gin and vermouth beforehand to maximize Sipsmithโs crisp and refreshing qualities in the cocktail.
4. Ford’s Gin

Ford’s Gin is a bartender favorite, designed specifically for mixing cocktails like the dirty martini. It delivers a classic juniper-forward flavor with hints of coriander, grapefruit, and jasmine. The balance makes it an excellent choice, holding its own against the boldness of olive brine while still letting the vermouth shine.
Why Ford’s Stands Out
Ford’s Gin was made with versatility in mind. Its flavors are clean and straightforward, so it complements rather than competes with the salty brine. It works well in both traditional and extra-dirty versions of the drink.
Pro Tip
Use Ford’s in a 2:1 gin-to-vermouth ratio for a balanced martini that highlights both the spirit and the brine.
5. Amass Gin

Amass Gin takes a unique approach, blending botanicals like reishi mushrooms and lionโs mane to create a savory base. The subtle umami notes in the gin pair perfectly with the olive brine, adding a rich layer of flavor to a dirty martini. This California-made gin is for those who appreciate a creative twist on the classic cocktail.
Why Amass Is a Great Choice
The earthy and savory notes of Amass blend seamlessly with the brineโs saltiness. Unlike many other gins, it offers a smooth and slightly herbal finish that rounds out the drink without overpowering it.
Pro Tip
Add a splash of vermouth to balance Amassโs rich flavor and prevent the brine from dominating.
6. The Botanist

The Botanist Gin, crafted in Scotland, is known for its clean and fresh taste, derived from 22 hand-foraged botanicals. It offers subtle herbal flavors with a natural salinity that enhances the olive brine in a dirty martini. This gin is a great option if you want something light yet full of character.
What Makes The Botanist Special
The natural salinity from Islayโs coastal environment makes it a natural partner for a dirty martini. Its soft herbal tones bring complexity to the drink without making it feel heavy or overpowering.
Pro Tip
Serve The Botanist martini extra chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities and highlight the ginโs herbal notes.
7. Gin Mare

Gin Mare is a Mediterranean-inspired gin that brings flavors of basil, rosemary, and Arbequina olives to the forefront. Its savory and herbaceous profile makes it a natural fit for a dirty martini.
If youโre looking for a gin that feels tailor-made for olive brine, Gin Mare is hard to beat.
Why Gin Mare Stands Out?
The use of Mediterranean botanicals gives this gin a distinct character. The olive flavors in the gin itself amplify the brine, creating a seamless blend. Itโs a bold choice, but one that pays off for anyone who enjoys a deeply savory martini.
Pro Tip
Try serving Gin Mare with a garnish of rosemary or a few Arbequina olives to complement its natural flavors.
8. Portobello Road Savory Gin

Portobello Road Savory Gin is crafted specifically with savory cocktails in mind. It includes green olives, rosemary, and sea salt, making it a no-brainer for a dirty martini. This gin is all about enhancing the briny, salty flavors while staying smooth and approachable.
What Makes Portobello Road Special
This gin was designed to shine in cocktails like the dirty martini. The added salinity means it blends seamlessly with olive brine, creating a cocktail thatโs balanced and flavorful without any harshness.
Pro Tip
Portobello Road works exceptionally well with lighter brines. Use just enough to bring out its natural savory qualities without overwhelming the drink.
9. Pure Sardinia Solo Wild

Pure Sardinia Solo Wild is a one-of-a-kind gin made with wild juniper berries from Sardinia. It uses a single botanical, but the flavor it delivers is anything but simple. Its intense herbal and slightly spicy notes make it an excellent partner for olive brine, creating a martini with bold character.
Why Pure Sardinia Is Worth Trying
The juniper in Pure Sardinia is wild and untamed, offering a raw, earthy quality that pairs beautifully with brine. This gin is perfect for those who want a martini that feels robust and full-bodied.
Pro Tip
Go for a minimal vermouth ratio with Pure Sardinia to let its unique juniper flavor shine through. Add just enough brine for balance without masking its bold character.
FAQs
What is the best garnish for a dirty martini?
While the classic garnish is a green olive, you can experiment with variations like Castelvetrano olives, blue cheese-stuffed olives, or even a rosemary sprig to enhance the flavors of your martini.
Should I chill the olive brine before mixing?
Yes, chilling the olive brine ensures your martini stays cold and maintains a consistent flavor throughout the drink. Warm brine can dilute the experience and disrupt the balance.
Can I use flavored vermouth in a dirty martini?
Yes, but itโs best to choose a vermouth that complements the ginโs profile. Flavored vermouths with herbal or citrus notes can work well, but avoid overly sweet varieties.
Does the type of ice matter when preparing a dirty martini?
Yes, using large, clear ice cubes for stirring helps control dilution while keeping the drink properly chilled. Avoid crushed ice, as it melts too quickly and can water down the martini.
How long should I stir a dirty martini?
Stir the cocktail for about 20-30 seconds to achieve the right level of chill and dilution. Over-stirring can dilute the flavors, while under-stirring might leave the drink too strong.
Final Thoughts
A dirty martini is all about balance and personal taste. The gin you choose plays a major role in shaping the drinkโs character, so itโs worth exploring different options to find your favorite. Some gins bring bold, savory notes, while others offer subtle complexity.
The key is to let the brine and gin complement each other without overpowering.
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