What does a dirty martini taste like?
A dirty martini tastes salty, briny and strong: a cold gin or vodka martini with olive brine stirred in, so every sip tastes a bit like a green olive.
Dirty martini
cold, salty, olive brine
A dirty martini is a martini with a splash of olive brine, the salty liquid from the olive jar. That brine changes everything: the drink turns cloudy, savory and a little salty, like snacking on olives with your gin. With gin you still get the pine and herbs underneath. With vodka, it's mostly cold, smooth and salty. The more brine, the dirtier and saltier it gets. It's strong and not sweet at all, so it's a great pick for anyone who prefers salty snacks to dessert.
Where you’ll see it
On most bar menus, usually with your choice of gin or vodka and two or three olives on a pick. Some bars stuff the olives with blue cheese. 'Extra dirty' or 'filthy' means more brine.
Order it if you love olives and want a strong, salty drink with zero sweetness.
Quick questions
- Is a dirty martini salty?
- Yes, that is the point. The olive brine makes it savory and salty. Ask for it extra dirty if you want more.
- Is a dirty martini made with gin or vodka?
- Either. Vodka is very common for dirty martinis because it lets the olive flavor take over. Gin adds pine and herbs.