Dirty Martini Recipe
Updated Jun 04, 2025, Published Jan 01, 2018
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Craving a cocktail that’s bold, briny, and effortlessly sophisticated? The Dirty Martini Recipe from Gluten Free & More hits all the right notes. This timeless drink, with its savory olive juice twist, elevates your sipping experience in just five minutes. Whether you’re hosting a chic gathering or unwinding after a long day, this low-calorie cocktail delivers a punch of flavor without the fuss.
Oh, and the best part? The dirty martini is a very low-calorie drink. My version gives it about 114 calories and 0 grams of sugar. You heard me right – a cocktail that is under 120 calories! Since the dirty martini is so low in calories, you might as well have two.
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Why You’ll Love This dirty martini
First and foremost, the Dirty Martini Recipe shines for its simplicity. With just three ingredients, you can create a cocktail that feels luxurious yet requires minimal effort. Moreover, its gluten-free nature makes it a fantastic choice for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy the fun. The briny kick from the olive juice adds a unique depth, setting it apart from a standard martini. Plus, at only 103 calories, it’s a guilt-free indulgence for health-conscious sippers. In short, this recipe combines ease, flavor, and inclusivity, making it a go-to for any occasion.
What’s more, the dirty martini’s versatility steals the show. You can tweak it to suit your taste—whether you prefer it extra dirty or slightly less briny. Consequently, it adapts to your mood or the vibe of your gathering. Hosting a dinner party? This cocktail’s bold profile pairs beautifully with appetizers like cheese boards or seafood. For this reason, it’s a crowd-pleaser that sparks conversation and keeps the evening lively.
What You’ll Need
To whip up this iconic cocktail, you’ll need a few essential ingredients and tools. Here’s the lineup:
- Vodka (1½ ounces): A high-quality vodka serves as the clean, neutral base, letting the olive juice shine. Blue Ice Potato Vodka is the lowest calorie vodka around and it is of course, gluten-free!
- Dry Vermouth (¼ ounce): This adds a subtle herbal note to balance the drink.
- Green Olive Juice (½ ounce): The star ingredient, giving the martini its signature briny, “dirty” character.
- Cocktail Shaker: Essential for mixing the ingredients smoothly and chilling the drink.
- Ice: Keeps the cocktail crisp and refreshing during shaking.
Additionally, a martini glass completes the setup for that classic, elegant presentation. For precision, a jigger helps measure ingredients accurately, and a strainer keeps ice out of your glass. If you want to elevate the experience, have some green olives on hand for a garnish. With these items ready, you’re just a shake away from cocktail perfection.
Tips and Variations
To elevate your Dirty Martini Recipe, consider a few pro tips. First, chill your martini glass in the fridge or freezer beforehand—it keeps your drink refreshingly cold. Also, use fresh, high-quality olive juice for the best flavor; avoid anything with artificial additives. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with the ratios. For example, increase the olive juice for an extra-dirty martini or dial it back for a milder sip. In addition, shaking vigorously ensures a well-mixed cocktail with a slightly frothy texture.
On the other hand, variations can add a fun twist. Swap vodka for gin if you prefer a botanical edge. Alternatively, try different olive types, like stuffed blue cheese or garlic olives, for a unique spin. If you’re serving a crowd, batch-prep the mix (minus the ice) and store it in the fridge for quick pouring. However, always shake with ice just before serving to maintain the drink’s chill. By playing with these tweaks, you can tailor the recipe to your taste or surprise guests with a personalized version.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a martini “dirty”?
The “dirty” in a dirty martini comes from the addition of olive juice, which gives the drink a cloudy appearance and a salty, savory flavor. This sets it apart from a classic martini, which skips the brine.
Can I make this cocktail without a shaker?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, stir the ingredients with ice in a mixing glass, then strain into your martini glass. Or you can shake it up in a Mason jar. While shaking adds a slight aeration, stirring works just as well for a smooth result.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Dirty Martini Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as vodka, dry vermouth, and olive juice typically contain no gluten. However, always double-check your ingredient labels to ensure they meet dietary needs.
What foods pair well with a dirty martini?
The cocktail’s bold, salty profile complements rich appetizers like Gravlax, Miso Salmon Crudo, charcuterie, or stuffed olives. Alternatively, try it with light bites like shrimp cocktail or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. It also happens to be the perfect accompaniment to a perfectly cooked steak.
Check out more gluten-free cocktail recipes!
Dirty Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces vodka
- ¼ ounce dry vermouth
- ½ ounce green olive juice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, and dry vermouth. Shake and strain the cocktail into a martini glass. Pour in the olive juice and pat yourself on the back for drinking such a low-calorie cocktail.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe was featured in Gluten Free & More Magazine
