Castelvetrano Olive Dirty Martini (and Other Uses for Olive Brine)

Castelvetrano olives are mild and buttery, and so is their brine. That makes it perfect for a smoother, less salty dirty martini. Please enjoy responsibly; for adults of legal drinking age only.

Ingredients (1 cocktail)

• 2.5 oz gin or vodka
• 0.5 oz dry vermouth
• 0.5 oz brine from Néssi Castelvetrano olives (more for extra dirty)
• 2–3 Castelvetrano olives for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the gin or vodka, vermouth and olive brine.
3. Stir for about 30 seconds until very cold.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with olives on a pick.

Alcohol-free version: mix chilled tonic or soda water with a splash of olive brine and a squeeze of lemon, garnished with olives.

5 more ways to use olive brine

• Add a spoonful to vinaigrettes instead of salt
• Marinate chicken thighs in brine for 2–4 hours before roasting
• Splash into potato or pasta salad
• Season a Bloody Mary
• Keep leftover olives covered in their brine in the fridge

Learn more: What are Castelvetrano olives? · Castelvetrano vs Kalamata