Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic24% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 5 ingredients, shaken drink, requires rimmed glass, requires shaker
Best for: Salty Food, Seafood, Aperitif
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierCitrusGarnish
- 70ml/2fl ozVodkaBase
- 1 tbspDry VermouthModifier
- 2 tbspOlive BrineGarnish
- 1 wedgeLemonCitrus
- 1OliveGarnish
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeGarnish
- Pour the vodka, dry vermouth and olive brine into a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice and shake well.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Rub the rim of a martini glass with the wedge of lemon.
- Strain the contents of the cocktail shaker into the glass and add the olive.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- A dirty Martini contains a splash of olive brine or olive juice and is typically garnished with an olive.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Swap notes
Base spiritVodka is the most forgiving swap. A neutral vodka keeps the drink clean. Flavoured vodkas add character but change the balance — cut back on other flavourings if you use one.CitrusLime can replace lemon juice in a pinch but it tastes more floral and slightly sweeter, so the drink will taste different. Reduce any syrup by a small amount if swapping. Orange juice is a softer, less acidic option — use it when you want a rounder, less sharp result.
GarnishThe olive adds a savoury, briny note that defines the drink's finish. A cocktail onion makes it a Gibson — sharper and more pungent. A lemon twist adds brightness without the salt. Leave the garnish out entirely and the drink tastes noticeably rounder and softer.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Dirty Martini?
- The Dirty Martini is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 24.0%. A standard serving contains approximately 185 calories.
- What does a Dirty Martini taste like?
- Dirty Martini has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Salty, Savory, Lemon. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Dirty Martini?
- Dirty Martini pairs well with Salty Food, Seafood, Caviar. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Dirty Martini?
- The Dirty Martini has an ABV of approximately 24.0%. That's approximately 1.81 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 185 calories, 0.8g sugar, 1.9g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Dirty Martini typically served?
- Dirty Martini is a popular choice for Aperitif, Happy Hour. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Dirty Martini?
- If you enjoy Dirty Martini, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Dirty Martini at home?
- Yes. The Dirty Martini uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Cocktail Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Dirty Martini with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.