Dirty Martini
The Dirty Martini is a bold twist on the classic Martini, adding olive brine for a savoury, salty edge. Where the Martini is crisp and dry, the Dirty Martini embraces a briny complexity that’s loved by those who prefer something less delicate and more flavourful.
It’s a true bar classic, often served as an aperitif, and one of the most enduring Martini variations.
- Prep Time:
- Total Time:
- Servings: 1
- Type: Cocktail
- Units: 2.6
Equipment
- Martini glass (chilled)
Ingredients
- 60 ml gin
- 10 ml dry vermouth
- 10-15 ml olive brine (to taste)
- green olives
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the gin, dry vermouth, and olive brine.
- Stir gently until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with one or more green olives.
FAQ
What makes a Martini “dirty”?
It’s the addition of olive brine, which gives the cocktail a salty, savoury depth. Without the brine, you’d have a Classic Martini – crisp, clean, and dry.
Can you make a Dirty Martini with vodka instead of gin?
Yes — swapping gin for vodka gives you a Vodka Martini variation. For a fruitier spin, try the French Martini or the tropical Pineapple Martini.
How salty should a Dirty Martini be?
It depends on taste. Some prefer just a splash of olive brine, while others enjoy it extra dirty with 20 ml or more. For comparison, the Gibson Martini adds savoury flavour with a pickled onion instead of brine.
What’s the best garnish for a Dirty Martini?
Always olives – usually one to three. If you like garnish-driven twists, try the Gibson with pickled onions, or the Espresso Martini which swaps olives for coffee beans.
How strong is a Dirty Martini compared to other cocktails?
At 2.6 UK units, it’s similar to a Manhattan or a Rob Roy, and stronger than a fruit-based Cosmopolitan.
What cocktails are related to the Dirty Martini?
The Martini family is huge. Alongside the Dirty Martini, you’ve got the Dry Martini, the sweet French Martini, the fun Porn Star Martini, and even dessert-like riffs such as the Espresso Martini and Cherry Martini.