A dirty martini is a variation on the classic martini cocktail that includes a small amount of olive brine or olive juice. The brine or juice adds a salty, savory flavour to the drink and gives it a cloudy appearance, hence the name “dirty.”
Here is a recipe for a classic dirty martini:
Ingredients:
- 50ml gin (such as Tanqueray)
- 25ml dry vermouth
- splash of olive brine or olive juice
- stuffed olives, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add the gin, vermouth, and olive brine or olive juice to the glass.
- Stir the mixture until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a stuffed olive.
You can adjust the amount of olive brine or olive juice to taste. Some people prefer a slightly dirtier martini with more brine or juice, while others prefer just a hint of saltiness. You can also experiment with different types of olives to find the combination that you like best.
Dirty Martini History
The exact origins of the dirty martini are somewhat disputed, but it is believed to have originated in the United States sometime in the early 20th century. The drink was likely created as a variation on the classic martini, which was a popular cocktail at the time.
The dirty martini became particularly popular during the 1960s and 1970s, and it remains a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts today. It is often served at bars and restaurants and is a popular choice for home mixologists as well.
The dirty martini is typically made with gin, although vodka can also be used. It is typically garnished with a stuffed olive, although other garnishes such as a twist of lemon or a pickled onion are sometimes used as well.
Dirty Martini Variations
Here are a few variations on the classic dirty martini:
- Dry dirty martini: A dry dirty martini is made with a higher ratio of vermouth to gin. To make a dry dirty martini, combine 2 ounces of gin, 2 ounces of dry vermouth, and a splash of olive brine or olive juice in a mixing glass. Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a stuffed olive.
- Perfect dirty martini: A perfect dirty martini is made with equal parts gin, dry vermouth, and sweet vermouth. To make a perfect dirty martini, combine 1.5 ounces of gin, 1.5 ounces of dry vermouth, 1.5 ounces of sweet vermouth, and a splash of olive brine or olive juice in a mixing glass. Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a stuffed olive.
- Dirty vodka martini: A dirty vodka martini is made with vodka instead of gin. To make a dirty vodka martini, combine 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of dry vermouth, and a splash of olive brine or olive juice in a mixing glass. Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a stuffed olive.
- Dirty Gibson: A dirty Gibson is similar to a dirty martini, but it is garnished with a pickled onion instead of a stuffed olive. To make a dirty Gibson, combine 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of dry vermouth, and a splash of olive brine or olive juice in a mixing glass. Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a pickled onion.
Best Gins for Dirty Martini
When it comes to making a dirty martini, you can use any brand of gin that you prefer. Some people prefer a bold, juniper-forward gin for a dirty martini, while others prefer a more subtle, citrus-forward gin. Here are a few gin brands that are particularly well-suited for a dirty martini:
- Tanqueray: Tanqueray is a classic London dry gin that is made from a blend of four different botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica, and liquorice. It has a dry, crisp flavour and a strong juniper aroma, and it has an ABV of 47.3% (94.6 proof).
- Beefeater: Beefeater is another classic London dry gin that is made from a blend of nine botanicals, including juniper, angelica, coriander, and liquorice. It has a bold, juniper-forward flavour and a high alcohol content (47% ABV).
- Bombay Sapphire: Bombay Sapphire is a premium gin that is made from a blend of ten botanicals, including juniper, coriander, angelica, and licorice. It is known for its smooth, well-balanced flavour and has an ABV of 47%.
- Martin Miller’s Gin: Martin Miller’s is a London dry gin that is made from a blend of nine botanicals, including juniper, angelica, coriander, and lemon peel. It is known for its smooth, well-balanced flavour and has an ABV of 40%.
