How to Make the Perfect Dirty Tequila Martini
Fill a mixing glass with ice, then add tequila, dry vermouth and olive brine. Stir gently for around 30 seconds before straining into a well-chilled martini glass. Finish with a garnish of green olives and serve immediately.
Discover how to create an exceptional Dirty Martini with tequila—a refined twist on the classic cocktail that’s winning over discerning drinkers. This distinctive version swaps the usual gin or vodka for premium Olmeca Altos Plata tequila, resulting in a bold, memorable serve with a contemporary edge.
While it preserves the elegance and sophistication of the original, the introduction of agave adds an unmistakable depth and character. The “dirty” element is achieved with a touch of olive brine, lending a savoury complexity that pairs beautifully with tequila’s natural profile.
The outcome is a cocktail that feels familiar yet distinctive, carrying a subtle southwestern influence that has quickly gained international appeal.
Ingredients for a Dirty Tequila Martini
Before preparing your martini, make sure you have the following essentials to hand. Each element plays an important role in achieving the ideal balance of savoury brine, crisp vermouth, and tequila’s agave character.
- 60 ml / 2 parts of Olmeca Altos Plata tequila
- 15 ml / ½ part of dry vermouth
- 15–20 ml / ½–¾ part of olive brine (adjust to taste)
- 2–3 premium green olives, for garnish
- Ice, for mixing
On average, a Dirty Tequila Martini contains around 200 calories, making it a relatively lighter option compared with many other mixed drinks.
How to mix a Dirty Tequila Martini
Follow these steps to craft the perfect Dirty Martini with tequila. Taking your time with each stage ensures the flavours remain balanced and the final serve is as refined as it is refreshing.
- Fill a mixing glass with plenty of ice.
- Add Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila.
- Pour in the dry vermouth.
- Add the olive brine.
- Stir gently for around 30 seconds to chill and blend the flavours.
- Strain into a well-chilled martini glass.
- Finish with a garnish of green olives.
Tips, glassware and garnishes
The secret to a truly outstanding Dirty Tequila Martini lies in harmony between the tequila’s vibrant agave character and the savoury depth of the olive brine. Begin with a modest amount of brine and increase gradually to taste—you can always add more, but you cannot take it away.
This cocktail deserves to be served in a chilled martini glass or coupe for maximum elegance. Choose high-quality green olives for garnish, ideally pimento-stuffed, to add both flavour and visual appeal. For a brighter twist, a fine strip of lemon peel can lend a citrus lift that enhances the tequila’s natural notes.
Make sure every ingredient is properly chilled, and always use fresh olive brine to achieve the cleanest flavour. Stir the mixture gently rather than shaking, as this helps preserve clarity, and remember to chill your glass beforehand.
Creative variations on the Dirty Tequila Martini
One of the great strengths of the Dirty Tequila Martini is its adaptability, offering endless room for creative interpretation. Here are a few refined twists worth exploring:
Extra Dirty Variation
For those who love the savoury punch of olive brine, this version doubles the measure. Replace the standard quantity with 30 ml of brine and garnish with three plump olives. The result is a martini with an intensified, salty edge that amplifies the briny character while allowing the tequila’s agave notes to shine through.
Smoky Agave Variation
Introduce an extra layer of complexity with just 7 ml of mezcal alongside the tequila. This creates a beautifully balanced flavour, combining the smoothness of tequila with subtle smoky undertones. Garnish with a flame-kissed orange peel for a dramatic aromatic flourish.
Spicy Jalapeño Variation
For those who prefer heat, muddle a few slices of fresh jalapeño in the mixing glass before adding the other ingredients. Jalapeño-stuffed olives make the perfect garnish, and a tiny dash of hot sauce can be added for extra intensity. The spice brings vibrancy and energy to the cocktail, while enhancing tequila’s natural peppery character.
Looking for more tequila inspiration? Explore our takes on the Tequila Sunrise, Paloma, Margarita or browse our curated collection of the very best tequila cocktails.
The rise in popularity of the Dirty Tequila Martini
The Dirty Tequila Martini reflects the evolution of modern cocktail culture, where time-honoured classics are reinvented through innovative spirits and techniques. Its growing popularity is closely tied to the increased appreciation of premium tequilas and the broader cocktail renaissance, which has encouraged bartenders to experiment beyond convention.
Today, this serve is a fixture in upscale bars and restaurants, captivating martini purists in search of something new as well as tequila enthusiasts keen on sophisticated alternatives. Unlike traditional tequila cocktails such as the Margarita or the Paloma, the Dirty Tequila Martini retains an unmistakable sense of refinement, while showcasing tequila’s adaptability within iconic cocktail formats.
Why Olmeca Altos Plata is the ideal choice
Olmeca Altos Plata’s crisp, smooth character, with its delicate hints of citrus, makes it the perfect tequila for a Dirty Martini. Crafted through artisanal methods and made entirely from 100% blue agave, it delivers a premium foundation that elevates this inventive twist on the timeless martini.
Its artisanal production process ensures a refined spirit with the perfect balance of freshness and depth—qualities that allow it to harmonise beautifully with vermouth and olive brine. Unlike heavier or overly aged tequilas, Olmeca Altos Plata offers a clean elegance that enhances rather than overwhelms, making it the definitive foundation for this modern twist on a classic martini.
The Dirty Tequila Martini represents a meeting of tradition and innovation, where the timeless sophistication of the martini meets the bold character of premium tequila. By choosing Olmeca Altos Plata, you’re not simply mixing a drink—you’re elevating a cocktail into an experience.
Each sip captures the artistry of Mexican tequila-making while offering a fresh perspective on one of the world’s most iconic serves. Whether enjoyed at an elegant gathering or as a personal indulgence, this cocktail is proof that true refinement lies in simplicity, craftsmanship, and the choice of exceptional ingredients.
