The Dirty 50/50 is a different take on the classic cocktail loved by many around the world. I absolutely love a good dirty martini. I have written a great post here about one of my favorite libations. I’ve been drinking these savory cocktails ever since an infamous croquet game in the backyard of a friend’s house in Reno Nevada back in the mid-1990s. I remember being a bit intimidated by all the alcohol in the red plastic cup, but being young, I went for it. I loved the olive flavor and have liked them ever since. Of course, I have since learned that drinking a martini in a red plastic cup was not the best way to enjoy this famous cocktail. But I still wanted to drink more of these tasty olive flavored cocktails. And have enjoyed many over the years.
I usually have gone the vodka route with my dirty martinis as I enjoy the flavor of the olives, and I used to feel that gin might diminish that flavor. I also really enjoy a Vesper, which is 75% gin and 25% vodka. (my post about The Vesper is Here) I decided to play around with both of the cocktails, and I’ve come up with a martini that is 50% gin and 50% vodka. It’s a cross between the traditional dirty martini and the classic Vesper. Lately, it has become my martini of choice. The dirty 50/50 has the blended flavors of a good gin and vodka in one fantastic martini. It is still a simple and delicious cocktail. But with this cocktail, it is terrific to play with some of the really flavorful gins out there. I used Spring44 Mountain gin in this cocktail as I felt the earthy juniper, coriander, and citrusy flavors really come through nicely. Balancing with the smooth velvety texture of Spring 44 vodka and olives this martini one delicious savory cocktail to enjoy anytime.
Over the years, I’ve learned a few secrets to making the perfect dirty martini. The flavors of a great dirty martini are subjective to one’s own taste. But for me, the ideal ratio of olive juice and vermouth is ½ an ounce of each. The kind of olive juice matters too. I used to use just the brine from the olive jar. But I’ve discovered that if you use the juice from a bottle specifically made for making dirty martinis you will get consistent flavors and none of the harshness that you can get from using the brine from a jar. You can find Olive juice in many gourmet grocery stores or on Amazon. Together with 2 ounces each of a good gin and vodka make a fabulous Dirty 50/50.
I also love to play around with the olives that you can use in the martini. It is fun to find olives stuffed with various stuffing I have found that you can vary your cocktail flavor and intensity by just by switching the olives up. I have found olives stuffed with jalapenos, blue cheese, almonds, garlic, or of course the traditional pimentos. Lately, I am loving olives stuffed with feta cheese. But the point I’m making is find an excellent olive for your dirty 50/50 something that will bring some deliciousness to the party.
- Ice cubes
- ½ oz olive juice
- ½ oz dry vermouth
- 2 oz Spring 44 Mountain Gin
- 2 oz Spring 44 vodka
- 3 olives feta cheese, pimento, almond, or blue cheese stuffed.
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Chill a martini glass in the fridge or freezer to get very cold. Or if you are in a hurry, fill the martini glass with ice and water, let sit for a few minutes then pour out the ice and water.
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In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour in the olive brine, dry vermouth, and the vodka or gin.
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Place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously until very cold, usually 30 seconds or so.
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Strain the martini into the chilled martini glass.
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Garnish with 3 olives.
