Extra Dirty Martini

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

You don’t have to be naughty to enjoy a few Extra Dirty Martinis, but it helps.

“I would like a vodka martini, please.”

“Okay.”

“Very dry, with olives, a lot of olives. Like, at least three olives.”

By now, we all know that Tony Stark and Pepper Potts were always meant for each other. And when a flustered Pepper asks Tony to get her a martini in 2008’s Iron Man with “a lot of olives”, everyone felt the heat. Kind of makes me wish that by the time they were officially together in later movies, the Extra Dirty Martini she ordered was called back to. I’m a mush like that. 

Tonight’s cocktail isn’t just for cinematic romantics. It’ll get you kicked out of places, too. We were celebrating a close friend’s birthday at a popular martini bar in Los Angeles—both will remain nameless—where one of their signature drinks was the Extra Dirty. Whoever ordered one was given a martini glass and their own shaker, filled with enough booze for a few drinks. Not being a fan of olives or their brine, I was enjoying Vespers that evening. After a few hours, it was just my friend and I, and she hadn’t been out in a long while. Pretty soon, those Extra Dirty Martinis were catching up with her. Long story short, we were asked to leave. As the bouncers escorted us down the street, I was told I was welcome back anytime, but “my wife” was banned for life. I didn’t argue. 

Adding olive brine to a martini goes back many decades. Some folks have claimed that New York City bartender John E. O’Connor began muddling olives in the drink back in 1901, while recipes adding olive brine directly appeared around 1930. It took some time for the Extra Dirty Martini to catch on, however. In fact, the description “dirty martini” didn’t become a part of the vernacular until the 1980s. 

By the way, there are recipes out there for olive oil-infused gin martinis, if that’s more your speed. As I mentioned earlier, I’m weird in that I don’t like olives or olive brine, but I love olive oil. Go figure.

What is the best alcohol to use in an Extra Dirty Martini?

You can shake up your Extra Dirty Martini using either gin or vodka. I like a top-shelf London Dry such as a No. 3 or Tanqueray No. 10. Both feature perfectly balanced botanicals without tasting too juniper-heavy. For something a little fruitier, give a bottle of Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret gin a try. For vodka, I keep things simple with a bottle of Polish rye, which is peppery and smooth with a subtle, hot finish.

What type of glassware and garnish are used?

Chill a martini glass in your freezer for 15 to 30 minutes. Garnish with a lot of olives, like, at least three olives.

Were there any notable figures in history who enjoyed this cocktail?

President Franklin D. Roosevelt was purported to love this style of martini. He was even said to serve them to guests who would visit the White House. No wonder he was one of the most popular presidents in American history.

Extra Dirty Martini Variations

Martinis will never go out of style. Sleek, strong, sophisticated, and elegant, this classic and iconic cocktail is easy to make, but takes finesse to master. Twist & Toast has some of the best ‘tini recipes for you to practice with. Before you know it, you’ll be making and serving perfect pours for your friends and yourself. Cheers!

• Vodka Martini – James Bond’s beverage of choice. Shaken, not stirred, of course.
• Tequila Martini – Tequila and vermouth combine for a Southwestern-styled tipple.
• Gin Martini – The classic and iconic cocktail, a monument to mixed drinks.
• Cranberry Martini – Orange liqueur and cranberry juice join the vodka and vermouth in this tart ‘tini.