Dirty Vodka Martini Recipe:
Few cocktails carry the allure and elegance of a martini—but add a splash of olive brine, and you’ve entered the world of the dirty vodka martini. Savory, salty, smooth, and just a little bit mysterious, this cocktail is a must-try for vodka lovers looking to level up their sipping game.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to craft the perfect dirty vodka martini recipe, with step-by-step instructions, ingredient tips, and expert secrets to make yours bar-quality at home. Whether you’re hosting a cocktail night or just treating yourself, this iconic drink deserves a spot in your repertoire.
What Is a Dirty Vodka Martini?
A dirty martini is a variation of the classic martini where olive brine (or olive juice) is added to the mix, giving it a cloudy appearance and a bold, savory edge. When you make it with vodka instead of gin, you get a smoother, more neutral base that lets the brininess shine.
💡 So what makes a martini “dirty”? It’s the olive brine—plain and simple. The more brine, the dirtier the martini.
Here’s how it differs from the classic:
| Type of Martini | Base Spirit | Olive Juice? | Flavor Profile |
| Classic Martini | Gin | No | Herbal, crisp |
| Vodka Martini | Vodka | No | Clean, smooth |
| Dirty Vodka Martini | Vodka | Yes | Salty, savory, bold |
So if you’re asking, “what’s in a dirty martini?”. You’ll find vodka, dry vermouth, and olive brine, garnished with olives for that signature finish.
Dirty Martini Ingredients
Here’s your essential dirty vodka martini ingredient list for one cocktail:
- 2 ½ oz vodka – Use a premium brand for best results
- ½ oz dry vermouth – Just enough to balance the flavor
- ½ oz olive brine – The “dirty” in your dirty martini
- Ice – For shaking or stirring
- 3 green olives – For garnish (and snacking)
🫒 Optional: Add more olive juice if you prefer an extra dirty martini. We’ll cover that later!
How to Make a Dirty Vodka Martini (Step-by-Step)
Ready to shake (or stir) things up? Here’s how to make a dirty vodka martini recipe like a pro:
Step 1: Chill Your Glass
Before you even touch the vodka, chill your martini glass. You can do this two ways:
- Pop the glass in the freezer for 10–15 minutes
- Or fill it with ice water while you prep
A cold glass is key for keeping your martini crisp and refreshing.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Shaker or Mixing Glass
In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, combine:
- 2½ oz vodka
- ½ oz dry vermouth
- ½ oz olive brine
- A generous scoop of ice
Shaken or stirred? While James Bond preferred his martinis shaken, many purists stir to preserve clarity. But with brine in the mix, clarity isn’t the goal. Shaking is totally acceptable—and adds a nice chill and dilution.
Step 3: Shake or Stir (Your Choice)
- Shake: Secure the shaker and shake for 15 seconds until icy cold.
- Stir: Stir gently for about 30 seconds with a long spoon.
Both methods work, but shaking brings out more briny flavor and chills faster.
Step 4: Strain Into Glass
Dump the ice water (if you chilled your glass with it), and strain your martini into the glass. No ice should make it into the drink.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Skewer 2–3 olives and drop them in or lay across the rim. For extra flair, use a cocktail pick.
🫒 Pro tip: Use high-quality, firm green olives—stuffed with pimento, garlic, or blue cheese if you’re feeling bold.
Best Vodka for Dirty Martini
Not all vodkas are created equal—especially when you’re highlighting its flavor in a cocktail as minimalist as this one. Here are our top picks for the best vodka for a dirty martini:
1. Belvedere Vodka
- Polish rye vodka with a smooth, creamy finish
- Stands up beautifully to brine without overpowering it
2. Grey Goose
- French vodka, known for being ultra-smooth and clean
- Enhances the olive flavor without any harshness
3. Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Corn-based American vodka with a slightly sweet edge
- Budget-friendly and well-balanced for a home bar
✅ Tip: Avoid flavored vodkas or ones with heavy citrus or botanicals. You want something neutral, clean, and smooth to let the olive brine do its thing.
How to Make It Extra Dirty
Love your martini with even more brine? You’re not alone. Here’s how to craft an extra dirty vodka martini:
- Use up to 1 oz of olive brine instead of ½ oz
- Slightly reduce the vermouth to ¼ oz if it feels too diluted
- Garnish with more olives (and maybe add a splash of brine on top)
🫒 Extra dirty = extra briny = extra bold. This variation is for the true olive lovers out there!
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes
Let’s make sure your martini game is strong. Here are a few dos and don’ts from experienced home bartenders:
Pro Tips
- Chill everything—the glass, the shaker, even the vodka if you can
- Use fresh olive brine from a jar of high-quality olives
- Try dirty martini olive juice brands like Dirty Sue or Filthy for bar-style brine
Common Mistakes
- Using too much vermouth – This isn’t a vermouth-forward cocktail
- Not measuring the brine – Eyeballing it can make your martini too salty
- Skipping the chill – A warm martini is a sad martini
FAQs
What’s in a dirty martini?
A dirty martini contains vodka (or gin), dry vermouth, and olive brine, garnished with olives. The brine gives it its signature savory “dirty” twist.
How to make a dirty vodka martini?
To make a dirty vodka martini, mix 2½ oz vodka, ½ oz dry vermouth, and ½ oz olive juice with ice. Shake or stir, then strain into a chilled glass and garnish with olives.
What kind of olive juice is used in dirty martinis?
Use the brine from a jar of green olives or specialty olive juices like Dirty Sue or Filthy. Avoid artificial or overly salted varieties.
Can I make a dirty martini without vermouth?
Technically yes, it becomes a very dry dirty martini. Just vodka and brine. But vermouth adds complexity and balance, so try using just a splash instead of omitting it completely.
Conclusion:
There you have it—the ultimate dirty vodka martini recipe, shaken or stirred to your liking, with all the savory character of a true classic.
Whether you keep it clean or go extra dirty, this cocktail is all about balance: vodka for smoothness, vermouth for structure, and brine for that signature kick. Perfect for classy nights in, dinner parties, or simply celebrating the end of a long day.
So grab your shaker, your favorite vodka, and a jar of olives—and mix up your new favorite cocktail tonight.
