For such a simple cocktail martinis are a tricky business. You can order yours shaken or stirred up with a twist and with vodka or gin. The world is your martini glass and you can choose what goes in it and how. The basics of a martini are pretty simple: start with gin or vodka add vermouth and garnish with olives or depending on your preference lemon zest or onion. However there are a few key tweaks that can transform your martini into something completely new—and pretty gross. Perhaps the most iconic variation is the dirty martini and for good reason. Salty delicious and with a cheerful fun sound when shouted across the bar a dirty martini is sure to impress and is the perfect drink to start (or end) a night.
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Dirty Martini? Filthy Martini? Learn How in 60 Seconds
What ingredient makes the dirty martini so dirty? The answer is simple and fitting considering the drink’s signature garnish. Brine that salty liquid in your jar of olives is the key ingredient to a dirty martini. It gives your martini a hazy haze and alters the cocktail’s normally clean crisp flavors. This variation is perfect for those who prefer a savory cocktail or for anyone who needs something to cut through the alcohol in a classic martini. Be warned though it’s hard to limit yourself to just one.
So how exactly do you go about making a dirty martini? Well as with all things martini it comes down to preference. First you’ll need to choose your alcohol. A martini usually has a base of either gin or vodka. Since it’s the foundation for the flavor of your martini the right base can make all the difference. Vodka has a more neutral and clean flavor compared to other alcohols which can help to bring out the flavor of the other ingredients and let your olive brine be the driving force in determining the flavor of your martini. Gin on the other hand is spicier thanks to the addition of juniper berries. Gin can cut through the saltiness of the brine and add a more complex edge.
Next choose the best olive. Of course the best is relative but you want to select an olive that will perfectly enhance your drink. The classic olive stuffed with pimento is always a good choice. However there are several other options for those who want to take their martini up a notch. For example olives stuffed with blue cheese can give your martini an even funkier twist. If you want a spicy kick to your martini jalapeno-stuffed olives are the perfect choice. On the other hand garlic adds an aromatic note that pairs well with a delicious Caesar salad. How much olive brine you add is completely up to you.
