The dirty martini has been around since at least 1894. It’s not known exactly when it was first mixed, but two stories claim to be the original recipe. One says that dirty martinis were created by bartender Eddie Woelke in New York City during Prohibition; another suggests they originated from Chicagoan Johnnie Sola, who wanted to make a dirty martini using dirty bathwater from his hotel room sink!
What is dirty in a dirty martini? The dirty secret of this classic cocktail is that olive brine and vermouth are added to give it its dirty appearance. Adding a perceptible amount of olive brine to this drink shows a greenish texture and brings a salty and savory flavor.
Let’s explore the variations of the dirty martini and discuss the making procedure of this popular drink.
Variations Of Dirty Martini
The dirty martini can be made with different types of vodka. It can also be made with gin or a combination of vodka and gin. Some people like to add a little bit of olive brine to the drink for extra flavor. There are many variations on the dirty martini, including:
- The amped up dirty martini: This variation uses twice as much vermouth as usual and is garnished with olives stuffed with blue cheese or pepperoni.
- The dirty French martini: This version replaces vermouth with Lillet Blanc wine and is served over ice.
- The dirty Gibson: In this version, gin is substituted for vodka and dry vermouth is replaced by sweet vermouth.
- The dirty Harry: This variation uses spiced tomato juice in place of vermouth and is served with a splash of hot sauce.
- The dirty Mother-in-Law: This drink is made with bourbon instead of vodka and includes grenadine, orange juice, and bitters.
There are many variations on the dirty martini, so you can customize your drink to suit your own taste. Experiment with different types of vodkas, gins, and vermouths to find the perfect combination for you. And don’t forget about the olives! Add a little olive brine to give your drink some extra flavor or try one of the variations that include stuffed olives. With so many options available, there’s no reason not to enjoy this classic cocktail on a regular basis.
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Make Your Dirty Martini
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 ounces gin or vodka
- 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
- 1/2 ounce olive brine
- Garnish: 2 to 4 olives
Instructions
Step 1: Pour the vodka or gin into a shaker filled with ice.
Step 2: Add the olive brine and lemon juice, then shake well.
Step 3: Strain into a martini glass and garnish with olives if desired. Enjoy!
You need to experiment until you find the perfect combination for you. And don’t forget about the olives! Add a little olive brine to give your drink some extra flavor or try one of the variations that include stuffed olives. With so many options available, there’s no reason not to enjoy this classic cocktail on a regular basis.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed reading about how to make the perfect dirty martini at home using our easy-to-follow instructions. Don’t forget to experiment until you find the right balance for yourself because there are no rules when it comes to making this classic cocktail. As always, drink responsibly!
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