The origins of the dirty martini are ambiguous (the vodka version is said to have originated in Russia as a hangover remedy). What’s certain is that the popularity of the drink soared after James Bond first ordered a martini on the silver screen.   So, what puts the ‘dirty’ in a dirty martini?  Olive juice.

Dirty Martini — Photo courtesy of Opheliac9

Here’s a recipe you can use to make your own dirty martini:

Ingredients:

2 ounces of gin

1 tablespoon dry vermouth

1 tablespoon olive juice or brine (NOT the juice from the jar of olives)

2 olives

Instructions:

Combine gin, vermouth, and olive juice with ice in a shaker or mixing glass.  Stir or shake. Strain into a martini glass.  Garnish with the olives.  Enjoy.