Dirty Martini Recipe (2024)

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5 from 6 votes

By: Nathan Longley

Posted: 02/24/23

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

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By: Nathan Longley

Posted: 02/24/23

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Jump To Recipe

When you think of a sophisticated co*cktail, a martini comes to mind. A dirty martini gives a delightful salty and tangy twist to the traditional martini. Vodka and olive juice pair together perfectly for a straightforward flavor that makes this iconic drink irresistible.

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Martinis are very popular in the co*cktail world, ranging from classic straightforward Vodka Martini to sweeter variations like the Chocolate Martini or Pear Martini. While a martini isn’t for the faint of heart, when made correctly is a very enjoyable drink and easy to make at home. This vodka dirty martini comes together in just three ingredients: vodka, olive juice, and olives for garnish.

What is a Dirty Martini

While the name “dirty” martini may not sound refreshing or even appetizing, it’s actually a very flavorful twist on the traditional martini. Just as theCosmopolitan co*cktailor Paloma co*cktail uses fruit juice to add a different flavor, this vodka martini dirty recipe uses olive juice or brine. While most recipes call for a little brine and some Vermouth, we opt to take out the Vermouth and add in more brine. The result is a tangy co*cktail that is the perfect potion to kick off happy hour any night of the week.

Best Vodka for a Martini

This martini recipe is a great time to show off premium vodka. Since it is the star of the show in this co*cktail, the vodka you choose will either make or break the taste. We recommend using the best vodka you have, or even purchasing a high quality one just for this recipe!

How to Make a Dirty Martini

The best dirty martini recipe could not be any simpler to shake up. Grab just three ingredients and some ice, and follow these easy steps. For the full recipe including the perfect ratio of ingredients, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Pour the vodka into a co*cktail shaker of ice.
Add olive juice and shake.
Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with green olives.

What Makes a Martini Dirty

The addition of olive juice is what makes this martini recipe dirty. Make your martini as dirty as you like by adding more olive juice to suit your taste. There are a few options for adding olive juice depending on your price point or convenience:

Use the juice from a cheaper can of olives.
Use homemade olive brine.
Use a large jar of gourmet olives and mix dry vermouth with the juice to make it last longer.

How to Serve

Shaking the co*cktail with ice and serving it in a chilled martini glass will ensure it’s served up icy cold. To chill your glass, simply place it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes (up to two hours) prior to serving your co*cktail. Remove from the freezer just before you pour your drink. If you’re short on time or freezer space, simply fill the glass with ice while you make the co*cktail, and dump the ice right before pouring the drink.

How many olives you add is up to you. I’ve heard that the correct number of olives is as many as you can convince the bartender to give you. So, since you’re making this at home, the sky’s the limit!

Other Martini Recipes

Lemon Drop Martini
Key Lime Martini
Baileys Martini

If you try this martini recipe or any of our other co*cktail recipes, leave a comment and let us know what you think!

5 from 6 votes