Dirty Martini

The Dirty Martini Cocktail

The Dirty Martini is believed to have originated in 1901 when New York bartender John O’Connor found inspiration in the classic’s famous olive garnish. First made by muddling the olive into the drink, and later by adding a splash of olive brine, the Dirty Martini took decades to reach a wide fan base.

Bartender Tip:

The cocktail can be made with gin or vodka. Gin is the classic choice, but by the 1970s, vodka had supplanted its botanical cousin, and it became the regular call-in Dirty Martinis. You can choose whichever spirit you prefer, as both do an admirable job.