Description
A perfectly chilled and balanced Dirty Martini with gin (or vodka), dry vermouth, and olive brine, garnished with olives.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 oz (180ml) Gin or Vodka (London Dry Gin recommended)
- 1 oz (30ml) Dry Vermouth (chilled)
- 1 oz (30ml) Olive Brine (from a jar of good quality olives)
- 3–4 Green Olives (Castelvetrano recommended), for garnish
- Ice (plenty)
- Optional: A dash of orange bitters
Instructions
- Chill Your Glass: Fill a martini glass with ice and a splash of water. Let sit for at least 5 minutes (or place in the freezer for a few minutes).
- Mix the Martini: Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Pour in the gin (or vodka), dry vermouth, and olive brine.
- Optional: Add a dash of orange bitters.
- Stir gently with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds, until the mixing glass feels very cold.
- Strain and Garnish: Discard the ice and water from the chilled martini glass.
- Strain the martini into the chilled glass using a Hawthorne or julep strainer.
- Garnish with 3-4 green olives on a cocktail pick or dropped into the glass.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chill Everything: Chilling the glass, gin/vodka, and vermouth is crucial for a great martini.
- Vermouth Matters: Use good quality dry vermouth and store it in the refrigerator after opening.
- Adjust “Dirtiness”: Adjust the amount of olive brine to your liking. Start with ½ oz for a less dirty martini.
- Gin vs. Vodka: Gin adds botanical complexity, while vodka provides a cleaner flavor.
- Olive Choice: Castelvetrano olives are recommended, but Manzanilla, Gordal, or blue cheese stuffed olives are also great options.
- Don’t Over-Dilute: Stir gently and don’t over-stir.
- Experiment: Try adding a dash of hot sauce, a lemon twist, pickle brine, or muddled herbs for a unique twist.
- Enjoy Responsibly: This is a strong cocktail, so pace yourself and drink plenty of water.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes