Dirty Martini Recipe

Chill Glass

Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to properly chill the glass.

Prepare Shaker

Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with plenty of ice (about 1 cup) to ensure rapid chilling and proper dilution.

Measure & Combine

Pour 2.5 oz vodka, 0.5 oz dry vermouth, and 0.75 oz olive brine into the ice-filled mixing glass or shaker.

Stir (or Shake)

Stir the mixture vigorously with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds to thoroughly chill and slightly dilute the drink. If you prefer a more aerated, cloudier Dirty Martini, shake for 10–12 seconds instead. Both methods are acceptable; stirring yields a clearer cocktail.

Prep Garnish

While stirring, thread 3 green olives onto a cocktail pick or skewer. If you like, use a combination of stuffed and plain olives for texture.

Strain & Serve

Discard the ice or water from the chilled martini glass. Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled glass using a Hawthorne strainer (and a fine mesh strainer if shaken) to catch small ice chips and olive debris.

Garnish

Drop the skewered olives into the glass (or rest the pick across the rim). Optionally, express a light lemon twist over the surface for a faint citrus top note, then discard.

Serve immediately. Estimated alcohol-forward profile: balance can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing olive brine (for dirtier or cleaner) in 0.25 oz increments and adjusting vermouth to taste.