Dirty Martini Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the formula for a dirty martini? ›

The term 'dirty' means that olive brine, usually from a jar of co*cktail olives, has been added to the drink. An olive garnish is typically assumed, too. Most bars add equal parts vermouth and brine, though you can specify 'extra dirty' or 'filthy' if you prefer more brine.

An extra dirty martini co*cktail contains a generous portion of olive brine. The “dirty” part of a Dirty Martini co*cktail relates to the olive ingredients, and “extra dirty” just means more olive flavor, like in the Dirtiest Martini co*cktail.

Ordering a Martini “Extra Dirty” or “Filthy” adjusts the co*cktail's recipe to include a higher ratio of salty olive brine in the drink. The Filthy Martini hones in on the olive brine's distinct taste in an otherwise Dirty Martini and turns it up to the max.

Begin with a London dry-style gin. From there, add a little dry vermouth. The ratio is negotiable, but common formulas for a Dry Martini typically fall in the range of four-to-eight parts gin to one part vermouth. A dash of orange bitters ties the room together.

Vodka Martinis and Dirty Martinis may also omit the vermouth, as at Spoon & Stable. “Generally, we have found that the folks ordering those styles of drinks prefer no or little vermouth,” says Pollak.

Bone-dry: a martini made with extremely little or no vermouth.

A dry martini means that it is less sweet, containing less dry vermouth (which is called dry itself as it is less sweet than its red counterpart). A wet martini will have a higher amount of vermouth in the mix and a dirty martini means the addition of brine.

Vermouth: Dolin Dry

Dolin is on the more expensive side of vermouths, but it tastes fantastic in a dirty martini. It doesn't overpower the other flavours (ahem, olive juice which I'll get to in a minute) but does balance the gin well.

What is a bruised dirty martini? ›

A bruised Martini is a Martini that has been over-shaken. Overshaking can splinter the ice, causing slivers of ice and oxygen to rise to the surface of the co*cktail once poured, which makes the drink appear cloudy or murky when it should appear clear.

No, it doesn't actually involve dirt. This classic Martini includes gin and dry vermouth, making it very aromatic with a clean finish. A dirty martini uses olive brine, making the appearance a bit cloudy, and well... dirty.

Dirty martini

You feel as though it marks you as sophisticated, debonair, a little dangerous. You're probably wearing a black turtleneck and have been waiting for an attractive woman to come to the bar all night just so you could order it within her earshot.

These days, bartenders dirty martinis with all sorts of additions, including a pinch of MSG with olive brine for the ultimate savory take, as well as swapping olive brine for the salty, tangy, funky liquids from all sorts of other pickles and even the brine from a cheese such as feta.

Sweet Vermouth was initially used as a co*cktail ingredient to lower the overall alcohol content of a co*cktail with a strong spirit as their base, but Vermouth also adds a mellow herbal flavour and aroma to your drink. Vermouth is actually a type of fortified wine flavoured with various botanicals.

A dry martini means that it is less sweet, containing less dry vermouth (which is called dry itself as it is less sweet than its red counterpart). A wet martini will have a higher amount of vermouth in the mix and a dirty martini means the addition of brine.

Carpano Bianco

Carpano is aromatic and floral with bright citrus notes. The residual sugar in its bianco-style vermouth makes it a robust match for olive brine in a dirty Martini. Alternatively, pair it with a pickled co*cktail onion in a classic Gibson.

To make a basic brine, you will need 2 cups of green olives, 2 cups water, 1/2 cup dry vermouth, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and 2 tablespoons salt. Any of these can be adjusted to taste as you perfect your recipe.

A classic dirty martini can be made, depending on drinker's preference, with all gin or all vodka, but using half gin, half vodka — with some vermouth and brine — results in a drink that leans a bit fresher and cleaner. (Should you prefer to stick with one spirit, use 2½ ounces of either gin or vodka in this recipe.)