By Teller Thomas
Dirty Martinis Are Getting a Makeover—And You’re Going to Want In
Dirty martinis are nothing new—but they’re nothing short of delicious. This summer, however, inventive twists on the classic are giving the drink a fresh, flavorful revival. Easy to make at home and packed with savory complexity (plus a dose of electrolytes), these martinis are perfect for any day of the week—and may even convert the martini skeptics. Inspired by caesar salads, caprese platters, and more, here’s your guide to the imaginative martinis taking over TikTok, Instagram, and your happy hour lineup.
Filthy Martini
Let’s start with the most familiar and easily made variation: the Filthy Martini. Briny, savory, and endlessly customizable, the Filthy Martini knows no rules. Mix any brines you please—olive, gherkin, pearl onion, or whatever canned or jarred vegetables you have on hand—with your choice of gin or vodka. Most people opt for a combo of olive and gherkin juice. In a shaker with ice, combine your brines with 1–2 shots of liquor and give it a solid shake. Strain into a martini glass with a splash of vermouth. Garnish with your pickled vegetables of choice on a toothpick, drizzle in a little olive oil, and—if you want a little bite—top with cracked black pepper.
Caprese Tini
The Caprese Tini might just be the ideal cocktail for savory summer sipping. Start by misting the inside of a chilled martini glass with vermouth. In a shaker with ice, mix 1–2 shots of vodka or gin with equal parts olive juice and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Strain into your glass, then finish with a drizzle of olive oil, a touch of balsamic, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a garnish of cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls on a toothpick. You can even toss a basil leaf into the mix for added herbaceousness. It’s a cocktail and a snack.
Pickle Tini
The Pickle Tini is unbeatable on a hot summer day—and just as satisfying in the dead of winter. Hydrating, salty, and full of flavor, this martini makes the perfect pre-game or midweek indulgence. Shake 1–2 shots of vodka or gin with a healthy pour of dill pickle brine, a dash of olive oil, and a splash of vermouth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with a sprig of dill or a few pickle chips skewered on a toothpick. Want a sweeter version? Use bread and butter pickle brine for a funky, unexpected twist that’s surprisingly drinkable.
Tomato Tini
If you’re a Bloody Mary fan, meet your new favorite: the Tomato Tini. Mix 1–2 shots of tomato juice (or pulverized cherry tomatoes) with vodka or gin, add a splash of balsamic and a touch of vermouth, and shake with ice until chilled. Pour into a martini glass and season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Garnish with a cherry tomato, basil leaf, or even a tiny skewer of mozzarella for a brunch-worthy finish. This one’s tangy, savory, and almost feels like a meal in a glass.
Caesar Salad Martini
The Caesar Salad Martini may have been the one to kick off the savory martini craze online—and for that, we owe it a toast. To make one, shake 1–2 shots of vodka with a shot of olive juice, the juice of half a lemon, and about two teaspoons of anchovy brine over ice. Strain into a glass and finish with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Garnish with plain or stuffed olives on a toothpick and a generous pinch of flaky salt. This cocktail is bold, umami-rich, and unexpectedly addictive.
Thanks to the internet’s culinary imagination, the classic dirty martini is having its most exciting moment yet. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a first-time sipper, there’s a savory martini out there for you. Have fun experimenting, adjust your pours to taste, and don’t be afraid to invent your own. It’s the summer of the martini—get shaking.