I make this Extra Dirty Martini when I want a strong, no-nonsense cocktail that still feels elegant. The Castelvetrano olives make all the difference. It’s smooth, salty, and seriously satisfying.
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Why This Recipe Works
This Extra Dirty Martini is my go-to cocktail when I want something bold, briny, and ice cold. Here’s why I love it so much:
- No Vermouth Needed: This version skips the vermouth entirely for a cleaner, saltier sip. It lets the olive flavor really shine through.
- Extra Dirty, Extra Flavor: More olive juice means more of that signature briny punch. It’s savory, satisfying, and always hits the spot.
- Perfectly Chilled: A long shake over ice creates tiny ice crystals that keep the drink frosty from the first sip to the last.
- Castelvetrano Olives Only: I always use Castelvetrano olives for their buttery, mellow flavor. They add just the right finish to each glass.
- Effortless but Impressive: It takes five minutes to make but feels like something you’d order at a fancy bar. I serve it whenever I want to treat myself. It’s just as delicious as this Fall Sangria.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating. I ❤️ hearing from you!
Ingredients
- Vodka: I like using a good-quality vodka here since it’s the star of the drink. Something smooth and clean-tasting makes all the difference.
- Olive juice: This is what gives the martini its signature “dirty” flavor. I go extra dirty with 1½ ounces, but you can add a little more if you love that briny kick.
- Castelvetrano olives: These are my go-to. They’re buttery, mild, and not too salty. Plus, they make the perfect garnish.
- Ice: Essential for chilling and diluting the drink just slightly while you shake. It also helps create those beautiful little ice shards on top.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Instructions
- Combine vodka: Pour 3 ounces of good-quality vodka into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Add olive juice: Add 1½ ounces of olive juice (or more to taste) to the shaker.
- Shake and strain: Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Add olives: Garnish with 4 Castelvetrano olives and serve immediately.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:
- Olive Options: I love Castelvetrano olives for their buttery bite, but any green olive will work.
- Vermouth Addition: I leave out vermouth, but if you’re curious, swirl a splash in the glass and discard it before pouring in the martini. It adds a subtle aromatic note.
What to Serve with Extra Dirty Martini
Appetizers
- This briny martini pairs perfectly with salty bites. Try it with Keto Baked Asparagus with Parmesan or a plate of Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms.
- For something extra special, serve with a Brie with Fig, Jam, Almonds and Berries or Smoked Salmon Tart.
Seafood
- Seafood and martinis are a natural match. Pair with Poached Shrimp Cocktail, oysters on the half shell, or crab cakes with lemon aioli.
- For something lighter, enjoy it with Tuna Tartare or a simple plate of Pan Seared Scallops.
FAQs
Go for a high-quality vodka that’s smooth and clean-tasting. Since the drink is spirit-forward, the flavor of the vodka really stands out.
Yes, you can make a Dirty Gin Martini if you prefer. Gin adds herbal and botanical notes that pair well with olive brine.
Yes, use the brine from whatever olives you love most. Just make sure it’s cold and not overly oily or cloudy.
If you batch a few in advance, store the martinis (without ice or garnishes) in a sealed jar in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. Shake with ice just before serving.
More Cocktail Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Grapefruit Vodka Tonic Cocktail – The tang and freshness of these Grapefruit Vodka Tonic’s are perfect for summer parties. Whip them up in no time using just 3 ingredients.
- Fizzy Pear Cocktail – My Fizzy Pear Cocktail combines the flavors of rich pear, earthy thyme and of course Prosecco and 7UP for a refreshing winter mixed drink.
- Blackberry Mint Cocktail – Blackberry Mint Cocktail are refreshing, crisp, tart and sweet. The perfect holiday pairing with Blackberry Goat Cheese Mini Toasts.
- Strawberry Martini (3-Ingredients) – This Strawberry Martini is a fruity vodka cocktail made with 3 simple ingredients. Enjoy it for nights with friends or summer celebrations!
If you try this Extra Dirty Martini recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!
Extra Dirty Martini
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
- Put your martini glasses in the freezer for at least 15 to chill.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, olive juice and ice.
- Shake for at least 30 seconds to create ice crystals and strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish with 4 olives on a cocktail pick.
Notes
- Use quality vodka for the best flavor. Since the martini has so few ingredients, each one stands out. A smooth, clean vodka makes a big difference.
- Chill the glass ahead of time to keep your martini icy cold without diluting it. Just pop the glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
- Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds to create tiny ice crystals. This gives the drink that smooth, frosty texture you want in a dirty martini.
- Choose your olives wisely. Castelvetrano olives are buttery and mild, which pairs well with the saltiness of the brine. You can also try blue cheese-stuffed olives for a bold twist.
- I prefer using Castelvetrano olives and the juice they come in. But other green olives will work. Try with blue cheese stuffed olives.
- You will notice that this recipe does not call for vermouth. If you want to try it with vermouth, add anywhere from a splash to 1/4 ounce for a single martini.
- This martini is best enjoyed fresh from the shaker while it’s still icy cold.
Photography by Naomi Seiler
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