How to Make an Extra-Dirty Martini

The extra dirty martini has never been more popular. If you've only sipped one at a bar, you probably appreciate its savory flavor, but might not be clear on how the drink is made. Like a classic martini, an extra dirty martini is a pared-down drink, with just three ingredients: gin or vodka, vermouth, and olive brine. Because there are few ingredients, it’s important to use the best quality you can find, even down to the olive brine. Cocktail olives are the usual choice of garnish—make sure yours are good and fresh, not too old or stale. 

What Makes a Dirty Martini Dirty?

Dirtying—aka sullying—the crystal clear gin or vodka and vermouth with olive brine is what makes the drink dirty. How much olive brine you add makes the drink a dirty martini or an extra dirty martini.

The addition of brine to a martini accentuates both the sweet and savory components of vermouth, while smoothing out any bitterness. It also adds weight to the drink and creates mouthfeel without increasing the total volume of vermouth

There were versions of the dirty martini in the early 20th century, but the cocktail got its current name in the 1980s. It is often made with vodka because its clean flavor better highlights the briny characteristics of the drink. And it has never been more popular. There are also many variations that forgo the olive brine for other forms of salty, umami flavor—everything from spicy pickle brine to fish sauce.

Other Styles of Martini

In addition to the dirty or extra dirty martini, here are some classics to know and try:

• Dry martini: Has very little vermouth, five parts spirit to one part vermouth.
• Classic or wet martini: The inverse of the dry martini, a classic or wet martini has more vermouth, but it’s still a spirit forward drink with a ratio around 2 parts gin or vodka to one part vermouth. 
• 50-50 martini: Made with equal parts gin and dry vermouth, plus a dash of orange bitters made with equal parts gin and dry vermouth, plus a dash of orange bitters.