If you’re looking for a Dirty Martini recipe, this version is savoury, crisp and easy to make at home. A classic Dirty Martini combines gin, dry vermouth and olive brine for a smooth, salty cocktail with a clean, grown-up finish. If you enjoy bold classics, you might also like Boozy Long Island Iced Tea for a very different kind of classic serve.
Quick answer
Prep time: 4 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Martini glass or coupe
Garnish: Green olives
What is in a Dirty Martini?
A Dirty Martini is made with gin, dry vermouth and olive brine. The olive brine is what gives the drink its signature savoury character and slightly cloudy finish. Some people prefer vodka instead of gin, but the classic style leans gin-led.
Ingredients
- 60ml gin
- 10ml dry vermouth
- 10ml olive brine
- Ice
- 2 green olives, to garnish
How to make a Dirty Martini
- Chill a martini glass or coupe.
- Add the gin, dry vermouth and olive brine to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until very cold.
- Strain into the chilled glass.
- Garnish with green olives.
- Serve immediately.
Serving notes
A Dirty Martini is best when served icy cold and properly stirred. It should feel clean and smooth rather than watery, with the briny olive note enhancing the gin rather than overwhelming it.
Tips for the best Dirty Martini
- Use good olives and decent olive brine because the flavour really shows.
- Stir well so the cocktail is cold and silky.
- Start lighter on the brine if you want a cleaner martini style.
- Keep the glass chilled before pouring.
Dirty Martini FAQs
What makes a martini dirty?
Olive brine gives the drink its savoury, salty character and slightly cloudy look.
Is a Dirty Martini made with gin or vodka?
Both are common, but gin is the more classic choice.
How briny should a Dirty Martini be?
That depends on taste, but it should stay balanced rather than tasting like straight olive brine.
You might also like
- About Boozy – learn more about the brand behind the range.
- Boozy cocktails – browse the current ready-to-drink lineup.
Final pour
A Dirty Martini is sharp, savoury and unapologetically grown-up. It is one of the simplest classic cocktails to make, but the details matter: cold glass, good gin and the right amount of brine.
