Dirty
Also known as: filthy, extra dirty
A cocktail variation that includes olive brine, adding a savory, salty quality and a slightly cloudy appearance.
The dirty Martini represents one of the most popular modern variations of the classic cocktail. By adding olive brine to the traditional formula, bartenders created a drink with savory depth that has won devoted fans worldwide. A dirty Martini includes olive brine - the salty, savory liquid from the olive jar - added to the standard Martini recipe of gin or vodka and dry vermouth. The brine adds salinity, umami, and a slight cloudiness that gives the drink its dirty appearance. The olives themselves serve as garnish, reinforcing the briny flavor. The amount of brine determines the degree of dirtiness. A splash (about 1/4 oz) creates a slightly dirty Martini. A more generous pour (1/2 oz or more) makes it properly dirty. Order it extra dirty or filthy and expect substantial brine - some versions approach equal parts spirit and brine. While the exact origin is disputed, the dirty Martini emerged sometime in the early 20th century. FDR famously enjoyed them, and some credit his preference for popularizing the style. The drink gained mainstream popularity in the 1970s and 1980s as vodka martinis became trendy. These terms are often confused but mean completely different things. A dry Martini has reduced vermouth, making it drier in the wine sense - less sweet. A dirty Martini contains olive brine regardless of vermouth amount. You can order a dry dirty Martini (less vermouth, plus brine) or even an extra dry dirty Martini. Not all olive brines are created equal. Quality matters - brine from premium olives contributes better flavor than that from cheap, heavily processed olives. Spanish manzanilla olives provide classic mild brine. Blue cheese-stuffed olives create a richer, more complex dirty Martini. Vodka dirty Martinis dominate modern bars. The neutral spirit allows olive brine to become the primary flavor besides alcohol. Gin dirty Martinis offer more complexity - contemporary, citrus-forward gins complement brine well. Chill your glass while preparing the drink. Combine 2.5 oz vodka or gin, 0.5 oz dry vermouth, and 0.5 oz olive brine in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 30 seconds until well-chilled. Strain into the chilled glass and garnish with olives.
💡 Pro Tips
- Quality olive brine makes a noticeable difference
- Start with less brine and adjust up - you can always add more
- The brine adds volume so adjust your spirit pour accordingly
- Pair with olives stuffed with blue cheese or garlic for extra flavor
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing dirty with dry - they modify different aspects of the drink
- Using brine from an old or contaminated olive jar
- Adding too much brine and overwhelming the spirit
- Shaking instead of stirring - dirty Martinis should be stirred
