Dirty Martini Recipe

Chill glass

Place a martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you mix the drink to thoroughly chill the glass (about 5 minutes).

Measure ingredients

Use a jigger to measure 2.5 oz gin or vodka, 0.5 oz dry vermouth, and 0.5 oz olive brine. Adjust olive brine between 0.25–0.75 oz to taste for a cleaner-to-dirtier martini.

Fill mixing vessel

Add a generous amount of ice (about 1 cup) to a mixing glass or cocktail shaker to properly chill and dilute the spirit.

Combine and stir

Pour the measured gin or vodka, dry vermouth, and olive brine over the ice. Stir gently with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds (about 15–20 full strokes) until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted. Stirring—not shaking—produces a clear, smooth martini with the right texture.

Taste and adjust

Optionally taste a small amount on the back of a spoon. If you want it dirtier, add another 1/4 oz olive brine and stir a few more seconds; if too strong, add a splash of water or more ice and stir to chill further.

Prepare glass

Discard the ice water from the chilled glass if used. Optionally run a lemon twist around the rim for a subtle bright note (this will alter the classic profile).

Strain

Using a strainer, pour the chilled martini into the prepared martini glass, leaving the ice behind.

Garnish

Skewer 2–3 green olives on a cocktail pick and place them in the drink. Alternatively, drop the olives directly into the glass. For a cleaner presentation, run a lemon twist over the surface and discard or place it on the rim.

Serve

Serve immediately while very cold. Sip and enjoy the bold, briny character balanced by the spirit and vermouth.