The Best Appetizers To Pair With A Dirty Martini

Why salty, briny flavors work best

Whether you're placing an order at the bar or crafting a dirty martini at home, this cocktail stands out from the classic version due to one key "dirty" ingredient: olive brine. This salty, tangy flavor complements other sharp bites like pickles and olives, and it also enhances the briny tastes of seafood. That's why Tiffanie Barriere suggests pairing your dirty martini with a plate of oysters. The naturally salty flavor of fresh oysters is a perfect match, and the vinegar in mignonette sauce, along with the zesty lemon typically squeezed over each oyster, harmonizes beautifully with the rich, spirit-forward cocktail—especially when garnished with a lemon twist.

Lemon, parsley, and other herbs commonly found in seafood dishes also complement the herbal and floral notes of gin, making a dirty gin martini with a half dozen oysters on the half shell a fantastic choice. "If a raw dozen isn't your preference, consider shrimp scampi, shrimp Rockefeller, sushi, or mussels," Barriere suggests.

Why umami-forward flavors make sense

The tangy flavor of olive brine in a dirty martini can easily complement bold umami tastes. "If seafood isn't your preference, a burger is also an exciting option to pair with a dirty martini," says Barriere. "The brine and spirit balance nicely with the richness and toppings of a juicy burger." A decadent yet bite-sized slider makes for the ideal bar snack, and as Barriere points out, both beef and Impossible burgers go well with a robust, sharp cocktail. For the perfect cocktail and appetizer combination, consider adding some spice to your slider and perhaps a sprinkle of blue cheese on top to match the blue cheese-stuffed olive in your martini glass.

If you're still craving those french fries or leafy greens, try ordering your dirty martini with vodka instead of gin to enhance the pairings. "Vodka offers a simpler, less complex refreshment, making the pairings lighter and more straightforward," Barriere explains. So, when enjoying vodka, opt for appetizers with a more straightforward flavor profile.

Now it's time to order your martini like a pro, select your appetizer of choice, and determine which pairing works best for you.