Paul Kushner
The Beertini is a salty, savory twist on your standard beer pour. Inspired by the briny backbone of a dirty martini, this easy mix adds olive brine and green olives to a chilled beer for a bold and unexpected flavor profile that’s as simple as it is satisfying.
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Tasting Notes
The Beertini offers a briny, savory twist on a traditional beer pour. Green olives and their brine bring saltiness and a mild acidity that contrasts with the malt and hops of the beer. The result is a crisp, lightly seasoned drink with a unique flavor profile that leans savory rather than sweet or bitter. The olives slowly infuse the beer as you sip, adding subtle complexity. Each drink varies slightly depending on the beer used, but overall it’s clean, fizzy, and bracing with a sharp finish. It’s especially refreshing when served ice cold with a bold, flavorful lager.
Equipment and Glassware
Preparing a Beertini requires almost no bar tools, making it ideal for casual settings. You’ll need a jigger or small measuring tool for the olive brine. A highball glass works best for this recipe, offering enough room to hold the beer and garnishes comfortably. A small cocktail pick may be useful if you want to skewer the olives for a cleaner look. For a more chilled experience, keep the glass in the freezer before assembling. There’s no need for a shaker or stirring tools here, just a quick build in the glass and it’s ready to go.
Ingredients
- 12 oz beer
- 0.5 oz olive brine
- Olives for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with the beer.
- Add the olive brine and garnish with green olives.
Pro Tips
- Use chilled beer and a cold glass for the best result
- Try a crisp lager or pilsner as a base
- Skewer the olives for easier sipping
- Adjust the brine level based on your salt preference
- Add a splash of pickle juice for variation
- Use large, firm green olives packed in brine
- Avoid heavily hopped or fruity beers, which may clash with the brine
- Serve immediately to maintain carbonation
When to Serve
The Beertini is best suited for casual occasions like game day, backyard barbecues, or tailgates. Its salty flavor and cold, fizzy base make it especially refreshing on warm days. This drink pairs well with snacks like pretzels, chips, or pickled vegetables. It’s also a fun alternative for those who enjoy savory drinks like Bloody Marys or Dirty Martinis but want something lighter. Because it’s easy to build and needs no special tools, it’s perfect when you want something quick that stands out from standard beer service.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Beer
- Modelo Especial
- Miller High Life
- Budweiser
- Heineken
Similar Cocktails
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz beer
- 0.5 oz olive brine
- Olives for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with the beer.
- Add the olive brine and garnish with green olives.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Choose a crisp, clean beer like a lager or pilsner to let the briny notes come through.
- Chill your highball glass for maximum refreshment.
- For added flair, skewer the olives on a cocktail pick before adding them in.
