How to Make the Perfect Dirty Martini at Home

A dirty martini is a savory cocktail that combines gin or vodka, dry vermouth, and olive brine, and is typically garnished with green olives. The brine adds a rich, salty depth to the drink, perfectly complementing the botanicals in gin or the smoothness of vodka. This cocktail is easy to make, yet delivers a sophisticated flavor, making it ideal for home entertaining or special occasions like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or cocktail hour with friends.

Serves: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

• 2 1/2 oz gin or vodka (e.g., Gibson or your favorite brand)
• 1/2 oz dry vermouth
• 1/2 oz olive brine or olive juice
• Ice
• 2 to 4 green olives (stuffed or plain) for garnish

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add gin or vodka, dry vermouth, and olive brine or juice.
3. Stir for 15–30 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with skewered green olives.
6. Taste and adjust the balance of brine and vermouth as desired.

• Choose your base: Gin is traditional, but vodka is a great option for a smoother, cleaner taste.
• Balance the brine: Adjust the amount of olive juice to suit your taste—more brine means more “dirty.”
• Chill everything: Use cold ingredients and a chilled glass to maintain the martini’s crisp character.
• Keep olives refrigerated: Refrigerated olive give the freshest garnish and best presentation.