If you love spicy flavors like me, try the Hot and Dirty Martini – a brilliant twist on the classic Dirty Martini. Whoever first thought of adding that fiery kick to drinks deserves a medal.
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Hot and dirty martini recipe
The Hot and Dirty Martini is a spicy variation of the classic Dirty Martini, which typically consists of vodka or gin, dry vermouth, and olive brine. The heating element that creates a complex flavor profile comes from:
- Fresh peppers (pepperoncini or jalapeño) provide the most vibrant and controllable heat source for the drink.
- Hot sauce (Tabasco, Sriracha, or Crystal) introduces a consistent and measurable heat element to the cocktail.
Believe me, you’re gonna love its “hot” aspect. This twist brings an extra layer of complexity and a fiery punch to the already tantalizing Dirty Martini experience. The drink is perfect for those who enjoy cocktails with a bit of spice and complexity. Here’s how to make the Hot and Dirty Martini:
Hot and dirty martini recipe
Ingredients
Hot and dirty martini with hot sauce
- 2 ½ ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
- 1/2 ounce olive brine
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce adjust according to your spice preference
- Ice
- Green olives or jalapeño-stuffed olives for garnish
Hot and dirty martini with pepperoncini or jalapeño
- 2 ½ ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
- 1/2 ounce olive brine from jarred olives
- 1 or 2 pepperoncini peppers or slices of jalapeño depending on preferred spice level
- Ice
- Additional pepperoncini or jalapeño slices or stuffed olives for garnish
Instructions
Recipe using hot sauce
- In a mixing glass, combine vodka, dry vermouth, olive brine, and hot sauce.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice.
- Stir the mixture well for about 30 seconds to chill the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with green olives or jalapeño-stuffed olives.
Recipe with pepperoncini or jalapeño
- Add vodka and pepperoncini or sliced jalapeños to a bottle and let it infuse for 24-48 hours, depending on desired spice level.
- Strain out the pepperoncini or jalapeño slices before using the vodka
- Place a martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes to chill.
- In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker, combine the spicy vodka, dry vermouth, and olive brine.
- Add ice to the mixing glass or shaker.
- Shake the mixture vigorously if you prefer a more diluted and colder martini, or stir gently if you prefer a stronger and less diluted martini.
- Using a strainer, pour the cocktail into the martini glass, ensuring no ice cubes or remnants from the shaker enter the glass.
- Garnish the martini with a slice of pepperoncini or jalapeño. Alternatively, you can skewer stuffed olives and place them in the martini as a garnish.
Nutrition
SIMILAR RECIPES
Variations
1. Extra Spicy: Add more dashes of hot sauce or sprinkle in cayenne pepper for an intensified heat. To adjust the heat level:
| Desired Heat | Modification Method | Notes |
| Mild | 50% reduction in heat element | Maintain brine ratio |
| Medium | Standard recipe | Baseline heat |
| Hot | 150% heat element | Adjust dilution |
| Extra Hot | Double heat element | Increase dilution |
Start with a few dashes of hot sauce and adjust according to your taste preference. The goal is to achieve a balance of heat without overpowering the other flavors. If you enjoy a stronger flavor, consider increasing the amount of olive brine or adding pickled jalapeño juice alongside.
2. Filthy Martini: Double the amount of olive brine for a bolder, saltier taste.
3. Chile Liqueur Version: Replace or complement the hot sauce with a chile liqueur like Ancho Reyes Verde for added depth and complexity.
4. Pickle Variation: Use pickle brine instead of olive brine, or combine both for a tangy twist.
How to pair
The Hot and Dirty Martini pairs exceptionally well with these foods:
1. Stuffed Jalapeños: For spice lovers, these bring a kick to the cocktail, balanced by their creamy filling.
2. Shrimp Cocktail: The sweet, tender shrimp and tangy cocktail sauce enhance the briny notes of a martini, making this a timeless pairing.
3. Cured meats complement the briny notes, creating a balanced heat that works well with their savory profile.
4. Pickled Vegetables: Crunchy pickled gherkins or mixed vegetables enhance the drink’s salty notes while adding a satisfying texture.
5. Roasted nuts temper the spice, offering a satisfying textural contrast that pairs perfectly with bold flavors.
6. Aged cheeses help mellow out the heat while enhancing the dish’s umami flavors.
7. Fried Calamari: Crispy and salty, fried calamari amplifies the martini’s briny notes for a deliciously satisfying pairing.
8. Cheddar Olives: Their crunchy texture and salty flavor blend perfectly with the martini’s profile, while the cheese adds a creamy contrast.
9. Spicy Hummus with Pita Chips: The creamy hummus contrasts with the martini’s boldness, while its spices enhance the drink’s heat.
10. Deviled Eggs: Smooth and versatile, deviled eggs can either complement or contrast the martini’s flavor, depending on how they’re seasoned.
11. Oysters: Briny and rich, oysters are an ideal match that elevates the martini without overpowering it.
12. Spicy Tuna Tartare: The heat and freshness of tuna tartare mirror the martini’s bold elements, creating a cohesive and flavorful experience.