This dirty martini is a classic cocktail with a briny twist.

Made with smooth vodka, a hint of dry vermouth, and a splash of olive brine, it delivers a perfectly balanced mix of bold and salty flavors.
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Quick & Effortless – Just a few ingredients and minimal prep for an elegant cocktail.
- Customizable ‘Dirtiness’ – Adjust the olive brine for a subtle or bold salty kick.
- Perfect for Entertaining – Impress guests with a smooth, sophisticated martini.
- Classic & Timeless – A go-to cocktail for martini lovers and beginners alike.
Ingredients
- 6 fluid ounces vodka – Use a high-quality vodka for a smoother, cleaner taste.
- 1 dash dry vermouth – Adds depth without overpowering the drink. Adjust to taste.
- 1 fluid ounce brine from olive jar – The key to a ‘dirty’ martini; increase for a stronger briny flavor.
- 4 stuffed green olives – Pimento-stuffed olives are classic, but blue cheese or garlic-stuffed olives work too.
Instructions
Step 1: Chill the Glass
Place your martini glass in the freezer for about 5 minutes before making the drink. A well-chilled glass keeps your martini cold and refreshing.
Step 2: Prepare the Cocktail
Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the vodka, dry vermouth, and olive brine. Stir or shake well for about 20–30 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
Step 3: Strain and Serve
Strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass, leaving the ice behind.
Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy
Thread the stuffed olives onto a cocktail pick and place them in the glass. Serve immediately and enjoy.
FAQs
Should I shake or stir a Dirty Vodka Martini?
It depends on your preference. Stirring results in a smooth, crystal-clear martini, while shaking creates a slightly cloudy drink with tiny ice shards. Shaken martinis are colder and slightly more diluted, while stirred ones maintain a silkier texture.
Can I use gin instead of vodka?
Yes! A Dirty Gin Martini offers a more complex, botanical twist on this classic drink. If you enjoy herbal flavors, gin is a great alternative to vodka.