The Extra Dirty Martini: For Those Who Know What They Want
The standard dirty martini is a beginning. The extra dirty martini is a position.
Adding more olive brine does not just increase salinity. It shifts the character of the drink entirely, pushing the spirit into a supporting role and letting the brine become the lead. It is not for every palate. But for the people who order it, there is no going back.
La Saum was designed with this ratio in mind. The balance of the brine holds even when doubled, without becoming harsh or muddying the finish.
The Extra Dirty Martini Recipe
INGREDIENTS
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2.5 oz gin or vodka
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0.25 oz dry vermouth
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1 to 1.5 oz La Saum olive brine
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Ice
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3 olives, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
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Fill a mixing glass with ice.
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Add the spirit, vermouth, and La Saum olive brine.
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Stir for 30 to 40 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
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Strain into a chilled glass.
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Garnish with three olives. Serve cold.
Notes: The extra dirty is almost always garnished with three olives. The vermouth can be reduced further or omitted entirely, depending on preference.
Knowing Your Ratio
The conventional dirty martini uses a 5:1 spirit-to-brine ratio. The extra dirty moves closer to 2.5:1 or 2:1. At this range, the drink has a pronounced savory quality that pairs well with food, especially anything salty, fatty, or sharp.
If you are using low-quality brine, this ratio will expose every flaw. With La Saum, it holds. The single-origin sourcing means consistency across every bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a dirty and extra dirty martini?
A dirty martini typically contains 0.5 oz of olive brine. An extra dirty doubles that, usually to 1 oz or more, making the drink saltier and more savoury.
Can I make an extra dirty martini with vodka?
Yes. Vodka is a common choice for an extra dirty martini because its neutral profile lets the olive brine carry the drink. Gin works as well, adding botanical depth alongside the brine.
Why use cocktail-grade olive brine instead of jar brine?
Cocktail-grade olive brine like La Saum is formulated for balance and consistency. Jar brine is a byproduct, not an ingredient. The difference is noticeable, especially in higher-brine ratios.
One bottle. Up to 25 martinis. The only variable is how dirty you go. Shop La Saum
