Dirty 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. This keeps the drink cold longer.

Measure ingredients

Measure vodka, dry vermouth, olive brine, and optional Kahlúa or Bailey's. Have three olives ready on a pick for garnish.

Combine in mixing glass or shaker

Add 2 oz vodka, 0.25 oz dry vermouth and 0.5 oz olive brine into a mixing glass or cocktail shaker filled with large ice cubes. If you want the optional Kahlúa or Bailey's (a nontraditional but requested addition), add 0.25 oz now.

Stir or shake

For a clear, silky Dirty Martini, stir the mixture with a bar spoon for about 20–30 seconds until well chilled and properly diluted (about 15–20% dilution). If you prefer a slightly cloudier, slightly more aerated drink, shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds. Both methods are acceptable.

Strain

Discard the ice or water from the chilled glass. Using a strainer, double-strain (if you used a shaker) the cocktail into the chilled martini glass to remove shards of ice and any solids.

Skewer 3 green olives on a pick and lay across or drop into the drink. Serve immediately while very cold. If you added Kahlúa or Bailey's, note that the flavor will add sweetness and creaminess (Bailey's) or coffee notes (Kahlúa); adjust future pours to taste (reduce vermouth or brine if necessary).