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Make Me a Cocktail

Dirty Martini
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.88 / 5

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You’ll find the Dirty Martini sits firmly in the Martini family: a chilled, spirit-forward cocktail made “dirty” with a splash... ... more

You’ll find the Dirty Martini sits firmly in the Martini family: a chilled, spirit-forward cocktail made “dirty” with a splash of olive brine. While the Martini’s roots run deep, the dirty variation reads as a later, bar-led twist that leans into savoury intensity rather than botanical finesse. Swapping in vodka keeps the profile clean and neutral, letting the briny element take centre stage in a drink that feels modern, bold, and unapologetically salty.

With vodka as the base, the flavour lands crisp and direct, giving the other ingredients plenty of room to speak. The white vermouth adds a light, herbal softness that takes the edge off the alcohol and brings a faint aromatic lift. Olive juice then pulls everything into a distinctly savoury lane, adding salinity and a rounded, mouthwatering depth that lingers after each sip.

Serve it in a cocktail glass when you want something sharp, grown-up, and not at all sweet. It’s a natural pick if you love olives, salty snacks, or savoury aperitif flavours, and it suits pre-dinner drinks, steak nights, or any occasion where you want your cocktail to feel brisk and confident.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
Cocktail Of The Day
Invented
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(1922)
Base ingredient
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Vodka
Calories
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97 calories
Garnish
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Olive
Alcohol content
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33.26% | 2.53 units *
Details
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Easy
Classic
Shaken

Tags

Vodka ingredient icon
Vodka cocktails
White vermouth ingredient icon
Top ten White vermouth cocktails
Olive juice ingredient icon
Top ten Olive juice cocktails

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

Vodka leads with a clean, brisk bite, softened by a faint herbal sweetness from white vermouth, while olive juice brings a salty, savory tang that lingers on the finish. It works because the briny olive juice sharpens the vodka and the vermouth rounds the edges, ideal for drinkers who like lean, chilled, savory cocktails over anything fruity or sweet.

Method
How to make a Dirty Martini

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Vodka 60ml, White vermouth 7.5ml, Olive juice 7.5ml
Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass
Add olives on a cocktail stick as a garnish and serve

Power tips
Elevate the Dirty Martini with these master mixologist tips

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Experiment with different types of olives and olive juices. Castelvetrano olives, for example, have a milder, buttery flavor that can offer a unique twist to your Dirty Martini.
Add a small splash of olive brine to the shaker for even more depth of flavor. The brine adds extra complexity and salinity to the cocktail.
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Dirty Martini masterclass

Master the craft of the Dirty Martini cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses

The Ultimate Guide to Martini Cocktails: History, Variations, and Expert Tips

Discover the fascinating world of martini cocktails in this comprehensive guide! From the classic gi...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Shake  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  · 

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Comments

Featured in

FAQ's

Faq icon

What makes a martini 'dirty'?

A martini becomes 'dirty' when olive juice or brine is added to it. The olive juice slightly clouds the drink, giving its appearance a 'dirty' look, and adds a savory flavor that complements the crispness of the vodka and vermouth.

Faq icon

Can I make a Dirty Martini with gin instead of vodka?

Yes, absolutely. While the Dirty Martini recipe provided uses vodka, using gin is a classic and popular alternative. Gin adds a botanical flavor that pairs well with the salty olive juice, offering a different taste profile than vodka.

Faq icon

What is the best type of olive to use for a Dirty Martini?

The best type of olive for a Dirty Martini is generally considered to be green olives, particularly those that are pitted and stuffed with pimentos. However, the choice of olive can be based on personal preference, with options ranging from traditional to gourmet varieties like blue cheese or garlic-stuffed olives.

Faq icon

How important is the quality of olive juice in a Dirty Martini?

The quality of olive juice is very important in a Dirty Martini, as it directly influences the flavor and overall quality of the cocktail. Higher quality olive juices tend to have a more balanced saline and acidic profile, enhancing the cocktail's taste without overpowering the spirits.

Faq icon

Is there a difference in taste if the Dirty Martini is shaken vs stirred?

Yes, there is a noticeable difference between a shaken and stirred Dirty Martini. Shaking the cocktail with ice tends to dilute it slightly more and can introduce tiny air bubbles, making the drink a bit cooler and giving it a slightly frothy texture. Stirring, on the other hand, keeps the drink clearer and possibly a bit stronger in flavor, as there is less dilution from the ice. The provided recipe suggests shaking, which can enhance the 'dirty' aspect by more thoroughly mixing the olive juice with the spirits.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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