The Dirty Marg-Tini takes two favoritesthe margarita and the martini and mashes them into one bold, salty, citrus-forward drink. It keeps the sharp bite of tequila and lime you’d expect in a margarita, but adds a briny twist with olive juice, giving it that martini edge. It’s crisp, a little savory, and definitely not your average cocktail. If you like your drinks strong, salty, and with a bit of attitude, this one’s for you. Perfect for happy hour or whenever you’re in the mood for something that breaks the usual rules. No sweet stuff here just sharp flavor and a clean finish.
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Tasting Notes
This Dirty Marg-Tini drink brings together the boldness of a margarita and the savory bite of a dirty martini. The lime juice and tequila keep it bright and sharp, while the olive brine adds a salty edge. The olive oil gives it a silky finish that smooths out the acidity without making it heavy. You’ll get layers of citrus, agave sweetness, and a briny kick all in one sip. It’s a little unexpected but totally balanced. If you like your drinks dry with just a touch of richness, this one will hit the mark without going overboard.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a cocktail shaker, a jigger for measuring, and a fine mesh strainer (optional, to keep the oil smooth). A coupe or martini glass works best here it keeps the drink chilled and looks clean and polished. A small bar spoon helps if you want to layer or mix gently. Keep your glass chilled ahead of time so the olive oil doesn’t sit too heavily on top. No fancy tools required just shake, pour, and you’re set.
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila blanco
- 0.25 oz extra virgin olive oil
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.25 oz agave syrup
- 0.25 oz olive brine
- Salt, for rimming
- Olives, for garnish
Instructions
- Rim the glass with salt, set aside.
Add tequila, olive oil, lime juice, agave, and olive brine to a shaker filled with ice. - Shake hard for about 15 seconds to chill and emulsify the olive oil.
- Strain into a prepared glass.
- Garnish with skewered olives.
Pro Tips
- Use a bold-flavored olive oil don’t go too light.
- Shake extra hard to emulsify the oil with the other ingredients.
- Chill your glass ahead to keep the texture right.
- Use good quality olive brine not too salty or too sour.
- Try a blue cheese-stuffed olive for extra flavor.
- Fine strain if you want it silky and clean.
- Use fresh lime juice it makes a difference.
- Taste before serving and adjust agave if needed.
When to Serve
This Dirty Marg-Tini is a great cocktail for happy hour, small dinner parties, or when you’re looking for something that feels different without being complicated. It’s a good icebreaker drink especially for folks who love savory cocktails. Serve it with salty snacks like olives, almonds, or chips. It works best when you’re in the mood for something that’s not sweet, and it pairs well with bold or grilled foods. Not your average marg, but definitely worth sharing.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Tequila Blanco:
- Espolòn (bright and affordable)
- Cazadores (smooth and easygoing)
- Fortaleza (high-end, great depth)
Olive Oil:
- California Olive Ranch (clean, peppery)
- Brightland (premium and flavorful)
- Trader Joe’s Extra Virgin (budget-friendly option)
Olive Brine:
- Dirty Sue (bar-ready)
- Filthy Olive Brine (rich and well-balanced)
- Brine from Castelvetrano olives (mild and buttery)
Similar Cocktails
- Galaxy Margarita
- Guava Aperol Margarita
- Spicy Strawberry Ranch Water
- Blackberry Mango Margarita
- Pineapple Mezcal Sour
Equipment
- Fine strainer
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 0.25 oz extra virgin olive oil
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.25 oz agave syrup
- 0.25 oz olive brine
- Salt for rimming
- Olives for garnish
Instructions
- Rim the glass with salt, set aside.
- Add tequila, olive oil, lime juice, agave, and olive brine to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake hard for about 15 seconds to chill and emulsify the olive oil.
- Strain into a prepared glass.
- Garnish with skewered olives.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Shake extra well this helps fully mix the olive oil into the drink without it separating.
- Use a high-quality olive oil for better flavor and smoother texture.
- If you want it cleaner-looking, double strain to catch any oil droplets.