Dirty Martini Recipe

Stir, don’t shake. Begin with good-quality gin or vodka chilled thoroughly. Pour 2 1/2 ounces of spirit into a mixing glass filled with ice, then add 1/2 ounce of dry vermouth and 1/2 ounce of olive brine (adjust brine to taste for drier or saltier). Stir gently for about 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

Garnish with two or three olives on a pick. For a brighter twist, express a lemon peel over the surface before dropping it in alongside the olives. Serve immediately.

Notes:

• Use a clean, crisp vermouth and fresh, high-quality olive brine from a jar of green olives.

• For a bolder olive flavor, increase brine to 3/4 ounce.

• For a classic gin profile, use a London dry gin; for a smoother, neutral profile, choose vodka.

• If you prefer a cloudier “dirty” appearance, lightly pour the brine over the back of a spoon into the glass rather than fully integrating while stirring.