The Dirty Martini, featuring gin or vodka, dry vermouth, and olive brine, stands as one of the most beloved savory cocktails. Despite its contemporary appeal, this iconic drink has been a favored Martini variation for well over a century.
Dating back to 1901, the Dirty Martini is often attributed to New York bartender John O’Connor, who drew inspiration from the classic Martini’s olive garnish. Initially adding olives by muddling them into the drink, the Dirty Martini evolved over time to include a splash of olive brine.
Its popularity gradually spread, eventually gaining recognition from notable figures such as President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who frequently served them to guests at the White House.
As the Dirty Martini continues to enjoy widespread acclaim, bartenders have refined the recipe, enhancing it with superior technique and top-notch ingredients. This includes the use of fresh vermouth and artisanal olive juice, elevating the cocktail to new heights of flavor.
Dry Martini Ingredients
- Vodka or Gin: 60ml
- Dry Vermouth: 15ml
- Olive Brine: 15ml
- Ice Cubes
- Green Olives for garnish
Dry Martini Recipe
- Chill the Martini Glass: Either place it in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass, add 60ml vodka or gin, 15ml dry vermouth, and 15ml olive brine.
- Add Ice and Stir: Fill the mixing glass two-thirds with ice cubes and stir well to chill and mix the flavors.
- Strain: Discard the ice in your Martini glass. Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with three green olives on a cocktail pick or directly in the glass.
The Dry Martini – A Classic
The classic Martini, typically composed of gin or vodka and dry vermouth, offers an adaptable framework for experimentation. While the Dry Martini serves as the quintessential standard, numerous variations introduce exciting twists to the cocktail. For instance, the 50/50 Martini balances equal parts gin and dry vermouth, while the Perfect Martini incorporates both sweet and dry vermouth.
Each of these adaptations revolves around adjusting the cocktail’s proportions to highlight different aspects of its flavor profile. A Dry Martini accentuates the spirit, with just a hint of vermouth to enhance the aroma without overshadowing the gin or vodka. Conversely, a Wet Martini or 50/50 Martini leans towards vermouth, creating a richer, more complex drink with a fuller body.
The Dirty Martini employs olive brine to enhance both the sweet and savory notes of the vermouth, while also tempering any bitterness. As the brine absorbs natural oils from the olives, it adds texture and depth to the Martini without increasing the overall vermouth content.
