The one that was supposed to be spicy… and mostly just dirty.
If you’ve been listening to Ep. 149, you know this drink caused some trust issues.
It was meant to be bold. Fiery. Confident.
Instead, it was more like… suspiciously mellow with a side of “Is that expired?”
Still. A dirty martini is one of those classic, grown-up game night drinks. It feels dramatic. It pairs well with Scrabble victories and mild marital tension. And when you get the spice level right? It’s excellent.
Here’s how we should have made it.
Ingredients
2½ oz vodka (or gin, if you’re that person)
½ oz dry vermouth
½–¾ oz olive brine (adjust to taste)
3–4 dashes hot sauce or
¼ oz spicy olive brine (from jalapeño-stuffed olives)
Ice
Green olives or jalapeño-stuffed olives for garnish
Instructions
Fill a mixing glass with ice.
Add vodka, vermouth, olive brine, and your spice element.
Stir well for 20–30 seconds until properly chilled.
Strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with olives.
Taste. Adjust spice next round if needed. You’re in control here.
How to actually make it spicy
If you want real heat, don’t rely on old mystery ingredients hiding in the back of the fridge. Instead:
Use brine from spicy olives
Add a thin slice of fresh jalapeño while stirring
Or infuse your vodka ahead of time with chili peppers
Hot sauce works, but it won’t give you that layered heat. It’s more of a shortcut.
When to serve it
Game night (especially if you’re about to play Cards Against Humanity)
When you’re feeling bold
When you just won Scrabble and need something celebratory
When your spouse is side-eyeing you across the table
Final thoughts
A dirty martini is confident. A spicy dirty martini is confident with opinions.
Just maybe double-check the expiration date before you serve it. Trust is fragile.
If you make it, let us know how it turns out. And if it causes a debate at your table, even better.
Life is a group project. Be kind to each other.
Featured Cocktail: Clean Snow Martini
