The dirty martini is a timeless cocktail—bold, briny, and sophisticated. With just the right balance of gin or vodka, dry vermouth, and olive brine, this drink is smooth yet savory, making it a favorite for cocktail lovers everywhere.
Follow these simple steps to craft the best dirty martini at home:
🛒 Ingredients
2 ½ oz gin or vodka (your choice)
½ oz dry vermouth
½ oz olive brine (from a jar of green olives)
Ice cubes
Green olives (for garnish)
🥄 Instructions
1. Chill Your Glass
Place a martini glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill it with ice water while you mix.
2. Combine Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add:
Gin or vodka
Dry vermouth
Olive brine
A handful of ice cubes
3. Shake or Stir
Shaken: For a cloudier, colder martini with more dilution.
Stirred: For a silkier, clearer drink with less dilution.
Both methods are correct—it’s all about your preference.
4. Strain & Serve
Empty your chilled glass.
Strain the mixture into the martini glass.
5. Garnish
Drop in 1–3 green olives on a cocktail pick.
🔑 Tips for the Best Dirty Martini
Use quality gin or vodka—the base spirit makes all the difference.
Adjust the olive brine to taste:
¼ oz for a lighter dirty martini.
½ oz or more for extra briny flavor.
Try stuffed olives (blue cheese or garlic) for a gourmet twist.
Always serve ice cold for maximum refreshment.
🥂 Perfect Pairings
Salty snacks like nuts or charcuterie.
Fresh oysters or shrimp cocktail.
A cozy evening or a classy dinner party.
✅ With these simple steps, you’ll master the dirty martini recipe and impress your guests with a bar-quality cocktail at home.