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Dirty Martini Recipe

Dirty Martini Recipe - How Bartenders Get It Just Right

I first tried a dirty martini recipe in a small bar downtown where the bartender swore the secret was to use chilled gin instead of vodka. He was right, the drink tasted different. Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to a good martini isn’t just the olive brine. It's how cold you make it and how you stir it.
I like making this at home when I want something strong but smooth. It’s one of those classic cocktails that’s elegant yet simple, and it always impresses guests without much effort.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 glass
Course: Cocktail, Drinks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 75 ml gin or vodka well-chilled
  • 15 ml dry vermouth
  • 15 ml olive brine from jarred green olives
  • Ice cubes
  • 2 green olives for garnish

Method
 

  1. Fill a mixing glass or shaker halfway with ice.
  2. Pour in gin (or vodka), vermouth, and olive brine.
  3. Stir gently for about 30 seconds until chilled. Don’t shake unless you like it cloudy.
  4. Strain into a chilled Martini glass.
  5. Garnish with two olives on a cocktail pick and serve right away.

Video

Notes

  • Use quality gin or vodka; it makes a huge difference since the flavor isn’t hidden by mixers.
  • The olive brine controls salinity; add more for a stronger “dirty” taste, and less for a cleaner one.
  • Chill everything before mixing, even the glass, so it stays crisp longer.
  • Some people add a splash of water or ice melt to mellow the alcohol bite. It's totally optional.