If you’re someone who appreciates a classic cocktail with an extra punch of bold, savory flavor, the Extra Dirty Martini Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. This isn’t just any martini—it shines by adding an ample splash of olive brine that perfectly balances crisp vodka with salty, briny depth. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or hosting friends for a chic evening, this martini tastes effortlessly luxurious, with a silky texture and a garnish that elevates every sip. Get ready to master this iconic cocktail that’s equal parts simple and sophisticated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Extra Dirty Martini Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, coming together to create a cocktail that’s crisp, briny, and utterly refreshing. From the quality of your vodka to the zestiness of the olive brine, these essentials ensure every glass is perfectly balanced.
- 3 ounces vodka: Opt for a premium brand like Grey Goose to keep the flavor smooth and clean.
- 1 ½ ounces olive brine: This adds the “dirty” element with a salty, tangy kick; adjust to your taste for extra punch.
- 4 Castelvetrano olives: Known for their buttery texture and mild flavor, they’re ideal for garnishing your martini elegantly.
- Ice: Essential for chilling and diluting the cocktail just enough for the perfect sip.
How to Make Extra Dirty Martini Recipe
Step 1: Chill Your Glass
Before you even think about mixing, pop your martini glasses into the freezer for at least 15 minutes. A chilled glass helps keep your cocktail crisp and refreshing from the first sip to the last drop—it’s a small step with a big impact on your drinking experience.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Shaker
Grab your cocktail shaker and add the vodka, olive brine, and plenty of ice. The ice is key here; it will cool the ingredients quickly, soften the alcohol’s edge just slightly, and help develop the right dilution. Don’t be shy with the olive brine—it’s what makes this martini extra dirty and delicious.
Step 3: Shake to Perfection
Seal your shaker and give it a vigorous shake for at least 30 seconds. This shaking not only chills the mixture but also creates tiny ice crystals, giving the martini a silky, almost velvety texture. The shaking technique here truly sets your cocktail apart from the stirred classics.
Step 4: Strain and Garnish
Strain the cold, beautifully brine-infused vodka into your chilled martini glass. Finally, slide four Castelvetrano olives onto a cocktail pick and let them float gently on the surface or rest inside the glass. Their mild buttery flavor and satisfying bite complement the salty brine perfectly.
How to Serve Extra Dirty Martini Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic four Castelvetrano olives are the ultimate garnish for an Extra Dirty Martini Recipe, feel free to experiment. Some like daydreaming with blue cheese-stuffed olives for a rich twist, while others add a lemon twist for a subtle citrus hint. Garnishes aren’t just decorative—they bring an extra layer of flavor to the experience.
Side Dishes
This cocktail pairs beautifully with salty, savory snacks. Think marcona almonds, aged cheddar, or a charcuterie board filled with cured meats and pickles. The martini’s briny bite pairs so well with these umami-rich bites, making your cocktail hour feel like a classy celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving this Extra Dirty Martini Recipe in frosted glasses for a cool aesthetic, or use a unique glassware shape to create visual intrigue. You can even rinse the glass with a quick slice of lemon or an olive brine splash before pouring the drink for an extra layer of flavor and elegance that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
While martinis are best enjoyed fresh, if you happen to have any leftovers, store them in a sealed glass bottle in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Be mindful that the ice crystals will melt, slightly diluting the flavor, so consider it a backup plan rather than a standard practice.
Freezing
Freezing your martini is not recommended as it will alter the texture and separate the mixed ingredients. The cocktail’s delicate balance relies on fresh, shaken ice, so freezing will compromise that experience.
Reheating
Reheating a martini goes against the cold, crisp nature of this drink and is never advised. Instead, always prepare fresh for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
What makes an Extra Dirty Martini different from a regular Martini?
The main difference is the amount of olive brine used. An Extra Dirty Martini uses more olive brine than a typical dirty martini, giving it a stronger, saltier, and more pronounced olive flavor.
Can I use gin instead of vodka for this recipe?
Absolutely! While vodka is traditionally used in this version, swapping for gin adds herbal, botanical notes that can be a fun twist if you enjoy the complexity of gin.
What if I don’t have Castelvetrano olives?
While Castelvetrano olives are prized for their mild, buttery flavor, green olives or other briny varieties work well too. Just choose olives that you enjoy eating because their flavor will strongly influence the drink.
How should I adjust the olive brine if I want a less salty cocktail?
Start with the standard 1 ½ ounces and taste the mix before serving; you can reduce the olive brine to 1 ounce or less if you prefer a milder olive presence without sacrificing the martini’s signature “dirty” character.
Is it okay to stir instead of shake my Extra Dirty Martini?
Definitely! Stirring creates a smoother, clearer drink and is traditional for many martinis. Shaking introduces tiny ice crystals for a frosted texture, so it comes down to your personal preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about mastering a cocktail that feels both timeless and unapologetically bold, and the Extra Dirty Martini Recipe delivers that in every glass. With just a few simple ingredients and a little shaking technique, you create a drink that’s absolutely bursting with flavor and sophistication. I encourage you to try this recipe the next time you want to impress yourself or your guests—it’s truly a joyous experience in a glass.
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Extra Dirty Martini Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Extra Dirty Martini is a bold and flavorful cocktail combining premium vodka with a generous splash of olive brine, creating a savory twist on the classic martini. Garnished with Castelvetrano olives, this drink offers a perfect balance of smooth spirit and briny zest, ideal for cocktail lovers who enjoy an intense olive flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 ounces vodka (use good quality like Grey Goose)
- 1 ½ ounces olive brine (or add ½ ounce more to taste)
- 4 Castelvetrano olives (for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions
- Chill glasses: Place your martini glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to ensure they are well chilled before serving.
- Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, pour 3 ounces of good quality vodka and 1 ½ ounces of olive brine. Add ice to fill the shaker.
- Shake: Shake the mixture vigorously for at least 30 seconds. This chilling and mixing process creates small ice crystals, cooling the cocktail perfectly while blending the flavors.
- Strain and serve: Strain the chilled mixture into the pre-chilled martini glass, ensuring no ice shards fall into the drink.
- Garnish: Skewer 4 Castelvetrano olives on a cocktail pick and use it as a garnish, adding both visual appeal and extra olive flavor with every sip.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of olive brine to make the martini more or less dirty according to your preference.
- Use quality vodka to ensure a smooth and clean taste.
- For a colder cocktail, ensure the ice cubes are fresh and large to minimize dilution.
- Castelvetrano olives provide a mild, buttery flavor ideal for this drink but feel free to substitute with your favorite olive variety.
