Dirty Martinez Cocktail Recipe

Dirty Martinez Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:1g

Alcohol:31%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Dirty Martinez is a playful twist on the classic Martini, believed to have originated from a bartender who loved the brininess of olives in a Dirty Martini but craved the botanical complexity of a Martinez. It's a hit among those who appreciate a bold, savory cocktail with a historical nod.

  • Origins: A fusion of the Dirty Martini and the Martinez.
  • Popularity: Favored by connoisseurs of classic cocktails with a twist.
  • Occasion: Perfect for a sophisticated evening or a nightcap.

How Dirty Martinez Tastes?

The Dirty Martinez offers a briny, slightly salty taste with a rich herbal undertone from the gin. It's robust, complex, and has a savory finish that lingers on the palate.

Interesting facts about Dirty Martinez

  • The Martinez is often cited as the predecessor to the modern Martini.
  • Olive juice adds a unique savory element not commonly found in sweet-leaning classic cocktails.
  • The Dirty Martinez is a modern creation, showcasing the trend of remixing classic cocktails.

Ingredients

  • Gin: 2.5 oz(75ml)
  • Olive juice: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Green italian olives: 3 units

A few good options for Dirty Martinez are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

The botanicals in gin combine with the brininess of the olive juice to create a complex and sophisticated flavor profile. Not overdoing it (2.5 oz) keeps the balance just right - too much and you'd overwhelm the drink, too little and it's just salty water. Without gin, well, it wouldn't be a cocktail, would it? You could try vodka for a cleaner taste, but then say goodbye to that lovely herby hug.

Mary Mitkina

Olive Juice

The heart of the 'dirty' in Dirty Martinez. It adds depth and saltiness, which accentuates the gin's flavors. At 1 oz, it's like the perfect plot twist - noticeable but not overpowering. No olive juice would be like a favorite movie without the twist - just not the same. Swap it out for pickled onion brine and we're dating the Gibson - still dirty, but wearing a different outfit.

Emma Rose

Green Italian Olives

Olives are the crowning glory, the decor on the Christmas tree, the garnish that adds both a visual and a textural contrast to the drink. Sans olives, you've lost your salty chewy snacks that vibe with every sip. Want a change? Try stuffed olives – blue cheese for tang or almonds for crunch – and watch the flavor party evolve.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Dirty Martinez Drink

  1. Chill a small martini glass.
  2. Combine 2.5 oz of gin and 1 oz of olive juice into a tin shaker.
  3. Add ice to the shaker.
  4. Shake vigorously for 10 - 12 seconds.
  5. Fine strain into the chilled martini glass.
  6. Garnish with 3 green Italian olives on a skewer.

Pro Tips

  • Ice: Use large ice cubes for shaking to dilute the cocktail less.
  • Shake: Shake until the shaker feels very cold to ensure proper dilution and chill.
  • Garnish: Spear the olives on a cocktail pick for an elegant presentation.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese Plates: Rich and savory cheeses, like blue cheese or sharp cheddar, can balance the salty brininess of the cocktail.
  • Charcuterie: Cured meats, such as prosciutto or salami, complement the botanical flavors of the gin.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Steak: The robust flavors of a juicy steak will stand up to the assertive notes of a Dirty Martinez.
  • Seafood: Oysters or shrimp can be a nice counterpoint to the olive's saltiness.

Snacks

  • Salted Nuts: The salted nuts will match the saltiness from the olive juice, providing a harmonious munch.
  • Dark Chocolate: For a surprising contrast, a piece of dark chocolate can bring out unexpected flavors in the cocktail.

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What you could change in Dirty Martinez

  • Gin: Any premium dry gin can be used in place of Casamigos Blanco.
  • Olive Juice: If you prefer a less briny taste, reduce the olive juice or use a splash of dry vermouth instead.

Explore all drinks starting with D here

And of course - twists🍹

Smoky Martinez

Swap gin for a smoky mezcal – this new character brings a mysterious smoke to the party. It's like trading your James Bond for a brooding film noir detective. Pair with a touch less olive juice (0.75 oz) to keep the mezcal front and center.

Spicy Dirty Martinez

Add a splash of Tabasco, or muddle a jalapeño slice before shaking. It turns your suave Martinez into a fiery flamenco dancer – passion and heat in every sip.

Vermouth Dirty Martinez

Introduce a whisper (0.5 oz) of dry vermouth – a nod to the classic Martini. The vermouth mellows the brine, like a soft-spoken mediator in a salty dispute. The result? A more subtle, aromatic and slightly herbal temptation.

In case you forgot basics how to make Dirty Martinez

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Dirty Martinez

What are some common variations of the Dirty Martinez cocktail?

Some variations include adjusting the ratio of gin to olive juice, using different types of olives, or adding a splash of dry Vermouth for a less briny flavor.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Dirty Martinez?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version by using a non-alcoholic gin alternative and olive brine, garnish with olives as usual.

How should I store my olives for the Dirty Martinez?

Olives should be stored in their brine in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Make sure to use high-quality olives for the best flavor.

Can I use black olives instead of green Italian olives for the Dirty Martinez?

While green Italian olives are recommended for their specific taste, black olives can be used as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the traditional flavor profile of the cocktail.

What is the best type of glassware for serving a Dirty Martinez?

A small martini glass is traditional, but any cocktail glass that allows for easy sipping without spilling the content is suitable.

Are there any cultural references or occasions when the Dirty Martinez is traditionally served?

The Dirty Martinez doesn't have specific cultural ties but is often enjoyed during upscale events, cocktail parties, or as a sophisticated after-dinner drink.

What is the ideal shaking time for a Dirty Martinez if I prefer a less diluted cocktail?

Shake the cocktail for a shorter time, around 5-7 seconds, to prevent over-dilution while still sufficiently chilling the drink.

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