The Best Dirty Martini Recipe
A little salty, a little savoury, and oh-so-sophisticated, the Dirty Martini is the cocktail equivalent of a raised eyebrow and a knowing smile. It’s bold, it’s briny, and it’s definitely not for the faint of flavour. Loved by cocktail connoisseurs and olive obsessives alike, the Dirty Martini adds a twist to the classic that’s equal parts slick and sassy.
This iconic drink first strutted onto the scene in the early 1900s and quickly became the go-to order for those who like their cocktails dry with a side of attitude. While the original Martini was all business, think gin and vermouth, no nonsense, it wasn’t long before someone decided to shake things up and add a splash of olive brine. And just like that, the Dirty Martini was born.
If you’re the kind of person who can’t resist licking the salt rim off a margarita glass or finishing the olives before the cheese at happy hour, this one’s for you.
What is a Dirty Martini?
A Dirty Martini is a delightful spin on the classic gin martini. What makes it “dirty” is the addition of olive brine, which gives the drink its signature salty, savoury kick. It’s not actually dirty (we promise), but that briny splash clouds the otherwise crystal-clear cocktail and gives it a rebellious edge that we can’t get enough of.
Is Vodka or Gin Better for a Dirty Martini?
Ah, the age-old question: vodka or gin? Traditionally, a Dirty Martini is made with gin, offering more botanical complexity and depth. Gin lovers will appreciate how the savoury olive brine complements the herbal, citrusy notes of the spirit.
That said, vodka’s no slouch either. It delivers a smoother, cleaner taste and let's the olive brine take centre stage. If you prefer a more subtle base, vodka might be your go-to.
At Good George, we say there’s no wrong answer, only personal preference. But if you're feeling a little bougie (as you should), we recommend our Zodiac Virgo Gin Hawke’s Bay New Zealand Olive Leaf Gin. With delicate olive leaf botanicals and hints of herbal characters, it’s practically made for a Dirty Martini.
👉 Explore our Good George gin collection or check out our vodka range if you’re leaning that way.
What You’ll Need for a Proper Dirty Martini
Every Dirty Martini needs a few key players:
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Gin or vodka - The soul of the drink. Choose wisely.
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Dry vermouth - Adds balance and dryness.
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Olive brine - The star of the show.
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Garnish (olives, of course) - Accept no substitutes.
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Martini glass - Traditional, iconic, and a little bit fancy.
Pro tip: Chill your glass before pouring. A Dirty Martini should be cold enough to raise eyebrows.
Dirty Martini Variations
Feeling experimental? There are plenty of ways to riff on the Dirty Martini:
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Extra dirty - More olive brine for the die-hards.
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Filthy - Add even more brine or use pickle juice instead.
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Gibson-style - Swap olives for cocktail onions (but don’t tell the purists).
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Spicy dirty - Infuse the brine with chilli or pepper for a kick.
Dirty Martini Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
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60ml Good George Zodiac Virgo Gin or vodka
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15ml dry vermouth
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15ml olive brine
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Ice
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Green olives (for garnish)
Instructions
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Add the gin (or vodka), dry vermouth, and olive brine to a mixing glass.
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Fill the glass with ice and stir for about 30 seconds until well-chilled.
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Strain into a chilled martini glass.
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Garnish with one or three olives (never two, it’s a weird cocktail superstition, don’t question it).
Serving Suggestions
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Serve in a chilled martini glass with a salty rim for extra sass.
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Garnish with skewered green olives, bonus points for stuffing them with blue cheese or garlic.
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Pair with salty snacks like roasted almonds, cheese, or charcuterie.
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Best enjoyed at dinner parties, rooftop drinks, or whenever you're feeling just a little bit extra.
Want to elevate your cocktail game? Shop our Zodiac Virgo Gin and make Dirty Martinis with a distinctly New Zealand twist.
Go on, get dirty.
