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Recipe for Perfect Dirty Martini

The Dirty Martini is a sophisticated cocktail that combines the bold flavors of gin or vodka with the salty tang of olive brine, creating a bracing yet smooth drink.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Servings 1 Cocktail
Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker or mixing glass
  • Strainer if using a shaker
  • Jigger or small measuring cup
  • Martini glass
  • Bar spoon
  • Skewer for olives

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 oz Vodka or gin choose quality
  • 0.5 oz Dry vermouth
  • 0.5-0.75 oz Olive brine adjust to taste
  • Ice enough to fill your shaker
  • 2-3 Green olives for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Chill the Glass:
    Fill your martini glass with ice water or place it in the freezer for a few minutes. A cold glass keeps the drink at optimal temperature.
  • Prepare the Shaker or Mixing Glass:
    Add a generous handful of ice to your shaker or mixing glass. The more ice, the better, as it cools the drink faster without excessive dilution.
  • Combine Ingredients:
    Pour 2.5 oz of vodka or gin into the shaker, followed by 0.5 oz of dry vermouth. Add 0.5-0.75 oz olive brine, adjusting the amount to your desired level of saltiness.
  • Stir or Shake:
    Stir gently for about 30 seconds if you prefer a smoother, more velvety texture. Alternatively, shake vigorously for 15 seconds for a colder, slightly frothy drink.
  • Strain and Serve:
    Discard the ice water from your martini glass. Use a strainer to pour the drink into the chilled glass.
  • Garnish:
    Thread 2-3 olives onto a skewer and place them in the glass. Add a tiny splash of olive brine on top for extra flair, if desired.

Video

Notes

  • Gin or Vodka? Gin’s herbal complexity brings a classic depth, while vodka’s clean, smooth base allows the olive brine to shine. Experiment to discover your favorite.
  • Quality Matters: Use premium spirits and fresh olive brine for the best results. Subpar ingredients can compromise the drink's flavor.
  • Custom Vermouth: Adjust the amount of vermouth to taste—a drier martini will have less, while a wetter one uses more.
  • Chill Everything: From the glass to the spirits and the ice, colder ingredients lead to a better cocktail.
Keyword Classic Cocktails, Cocktail Recipe, Dirty Martini, Gin Martini, Olive Brine, Sophisticated Drinks, Vodka Martini