Dirty Martini is back. The salty cocktail that conquers the bars of the world

Simple, elegant and surprisingly complex, Dirty Martini is a classic reinterpreted for contemporary tastes.

In an era dominated by elaborate cocktails and exotic combinations, Dirty Martini returns to the forefront with a radically different proposal: simplicity, clarity and a salty, almost gastronomic taste profile. It is the drink of those who prefer umami to sweet and refinement to artifice.

A classic with over a century of history

Dirty Martini is not a modern invention. Its first forms date back to 1901, when an olive Martini was served at Waldorf Astoria. Subsequently, the recipe evolved, integrating olive brine — the element that defines this cocktail today.

Over time, it has had famous admirers, including U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, but also critics who consider it a deviation from the classic Martini.

Why it’s trending again

The recent popularity of Dirty Martini is no coincidence. There is a clear trend towards savory and umami tastes, visible in both gastronomy and mixology. And Dirty Martini offers it in a concise and familiar manner.

This direction is also supported by the return of classic cocktails — such as Manhattan or Negroni — but also by the interest in fermented or pickled ingredients.

Gin or vodka? The debate continues

At the base of a Dirty Martini is an essential choice: gin or vodka.

• Gin (London Dry) – provides complexity, juniper notes and structure
• Vodka – creates a cleaner profile, letting the olive dominate

Many bartenders prefer gin for its ability to support salinity. However, for a more minimalist style, vodka becomes the ideal choice.

Brine or olives? The Detail That Changes Everything

The “dirty” character can be obtained in two ways:

• by olive brine (more intense, more direct)
• by crushed olives (more subtle, more textured)

How to make a perfect Dirty Martini

Ingredients:

• 75 ml gin or vodka
• 15 ml dry vermouth
• 10 ml olive brine (or to taste)

Method:

1. Mix all ingredients with ice
2. Stir (do not shake) until very cold
3. Strain into a well-chilled glass
4. Garnish with olives

Tips from bartenders

For a flawless result:

• Use a frozen glass
• mix in a metal bowl with large ice
• Choose a quality vermouth
• experiment with bitters (olive or orange)

An essential detail: this cocktail is mixed, not shaken — to preserve clarity and texture.