Dirty Martini
The Dirty Martini is a sophisticated and savory twist on the classic Martini cocktail. Characterized by the addition of olive brine, this drink offers a distinctively salty and umami flavor profile that complements the botanical notes of gin or the clean profile of vodka. It's a strong, chilled cocktail served straight up in a Martini glass, garnished with olives. Perfect for those who enjoy a bold, less traditional take on a timeless classic, the Dirty Martini remains a popular choice in bars worldwide for its unique taste and elegant presentation.
Ingredients
- 6 cl gin
- 1 cl Martini Bianco
- 1 cl olive
- 1 piece olive
Accessories
- 1 Martini glass
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
Instructions
Chill your Martini glass by filling it with ice and water or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
Add the gin (or vodka), dry vermouth (Martini Bianco), and olive brine to the shaker.
Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
Discard the ice from the chilled Martini glass.
Double strain the mixture from the shaker into the chilled Martini glass to remove ice shards.
Garnish with one or more green olives on a cocktail pick.
Trivia
- What makes a Martini 'dirty'?
A Martini becomes 'dirty' with the addition of olive brine, the salty liquid typically found in jars of olives. This ingredient gives the cocktail its characteristic savory and slightly cloudy appearance, distinguishing it from a classic dry Martini.
- Can I make a Dirty Martini with vodka instead of gin?
Absolutely! While the original Martini often features gin, a Vodka Dirty Martini is a very popular variation. Simply substitute vodka for gin in the recipe for a cleaner, less botanical flavor profile that still highlights the savory olive brine.
- What kind of olives are best for a Dirty Martini?
Green olives are the standard choice for a Dirty Martini, both for the brine and the garnish. Quality matters – choose olives packed in brine (not oil) with a flavor you enjoy, as the brine significantly impacts the drink's taste. Spanish Manzanilla or Queen olives are common choices.
- Should a Dirty Martini be shaken or stirred?
Traditionally, cocktails containing only spirits (like a classic Martini) are stirred to maintain clarity and texture. However, the Dirty Martini, especially with the addition of brine, is very commonly shaken. Shaking chills the drink rapidly and adds slight dilution, which many find preferable for this savory variation. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
- How much olive brine should I use in a Dirty Martini?
The amount of olive brine is subjective and depends on how 'dirty' you like your Martini. A common starting point is 1 cl (about 1/4 to 1/2 ounce) per 6 cl of spirit. You can adjust this amount based on your taste – add more for a saltier, more pronounced olive flavor, or less for a subtler hint.
- What does a Dirty Martini taste like?
A Dirty Martini offers a unique blend of flavors. It's strong, spirit-forward (like a classic Martini), but with a distinct savory, salty, and briny taste from the olive brine. If made with gin, you'll also get underlying botanical notes; with vodka, the savory olive flavor is more prominent against a cleaner spirit backdrop.