June 19 is Martini Day — and at Conrad Distillery, we’re stirring (and shaking) things up in honour of the world’s most iconic cocktail.
While the Martini may come with a pedigree of black tie affairs and spy thrillers, our favourite version is unapologetically bold, briny, and unfiltered — the Dirty Martini.
The “dirty” in Dirty Martini refers to a splash (or generous pour, if you’re like it very dirty) of olive brine that adds a salty, savoury edge to the classic gin and vermouth combo. This isn’t a drink for the shy — it’s for those who like a little grit with their glam.
A Dirty Martini with Conrad Signature Gin hits different. Our gin’s delicate spice, floral elegance, and citrus top notes blend effortlessly with the umami-rich olive brine. The result? A cocktail that’s complex, confident, and downright addictive.
Chill your glass with ice while making your martini. Always stir and not shake, as shaking will water down your martini instead of chilling the cocktail. No one wants a watery martini. Always use premium olives. At Conrad, we grow our own, and if you want extra dirty, add a teaspoon of olive brine to your shaker, not just the glass.
James Bond may have made Martini famous by shaking, not stirring, but Franklin D. Roosevelt actually served one to Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill at the Yalta Conference. Apparently, Stalin wasn’t impressed — perhaps it wasn’t dirty enough.
Join us at the tasting bar this Martini Day, where we’ll be serving up signature Dirty Martinis using our award-winning gin. No reservations required, just a good taste in cocktails.
The Martini has long been a canvas for personal expression — from Churchill’s bone-dry variation to the dirty, olive-laced versions we know today. Its origin is still a matter of debate, with some tracing it back to the 1860s in San Francisco, while others credit a New York bartender in the early 1900s. But one thing is clear — the Martini has never gone out of style.
At Conrad Distillery, we believe the spirit you use makes all the difference. That’s why our signature gin is crafted with a balance of botanical nuance, featuring Australian citrus, local wildflowers, and a gentle spice structure. The Dirty Martini gives our gin the spotlight — not masked, but enhanced by the olive brine’s savoury richness.
While we’ll always advocate for the Dirty Martini, it’s worth exploring the Martini’s delicious diversity. The Gibson swaps olives for cocktail onions. The Vesper (yes, the Bond one) blends gin with vodka and Lillet Blanc. Or go bold with a Dirty Gibson — because why not have brine *and* onion?
A well-made Dirty Martini isn’t just a pre-dinner ritual — it’s a pairing powerhouse. Try it with oysters, marinated anchovies, sharp cheeses, or salty roasted nuts. The brine amplifies umami and balances fat like a dream. Hosting guests? A Dirty Martini and a charcuterie board will never disappoint.
Whether you’re a long-time martini lover or ready to explore this complex classic, there’s no better place to raise a glass than Conrad Distillery. Visit us on Martini Day and enjoy our distillery-only cocktail menu, a behind-the-scenes gin tasting, and, of course, a perfectly chilled Dirty Martini — just how Debra likes it.
