Olive Brine Martini Mocktail
This martini mocktail keeps all the salty, savory depth of the classic dirty martini using olive brine, fresh lemon juice, and non-alcoholic spirit alternatives or chilled herbal tea. It’s crisp, elegant, and brimming with flavor—ideal for cocktail hour or a Mediterranean-inspired dinner party.
Prep Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time (optional): 10 minutes
Total Time: 5–10 minutes
Ingredients
1.5 oz olive brine (from a jar of good-quality green olives)
1 oz fresh lemon juice
2 oz chilled non-alcoholic gin or botanical water (see subs below)
1 oz chilled green tea (optional, for complexity)
Crushed Ice
1–2 green olives (for garnish)
Optional: lemon twist or rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions
1. Chill Your Glass
Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill with ice and water while you prep.
2. Mix the Mocktail
In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, combine:
Olive brine, Lemon juice, Non-alcoholic or botanical water, Green tea (if using), Add a handful of ice.
Shake vigorously (or stir) until very cold, about 10–15 seconds.
3. Strain and Serve
Discard ice from the chilled martini glass.
Strain the mocktail into the glass.
Garnish with olives, a lemon twist, or rosemary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as an appetizer drink with Marcona almonds, stuffed grape leaves, or feta-stuffed olives.
Pairs beautifully with Mediterranean charcuterie boards, salty cheeses, or grilled vegetables.
Notes & Tips
Botanical water options: Try Seedlings Garden 108, Lyre’s Dry London, or even plain cucumber-mint infused water.
Savory depth: A drop of olive oil on top adds richness and visual appeal.
Herbal boost: A splash of rosemary or thyme tea (chilled) adds a complex twist.
Low sodium version: Use half olive brine and half plain water or cucumber juice.
Frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: What’s the best olive brine to use?
A: Use high-quality brine from green olives (like Castelvetrano or Spanish Manzanilla) for a clean, rich flavor.
Q: Can I make a pitcher of this?
A: Yes—mix everything but the ice ahead, then shake or stir with ice right before serving.
Q: Is this keto or low-carb?
A: Yes—there are almost no carbs in this drink.
Q: Can I add bubbles?
A: Absolutely—top with sparkling water if you like a fizzier version.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Add a slice of jalapeno or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy martini mocktail.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~15–25
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g (add 1g if using olive oil float)
Carbohydrates: 1–2g
Sugars: 0g
Sodium: ~250–400mg (from olive brine)
Vitamin C: ~8% DV
Alcohol: 0%