Dirty martinis have always been my go-to cocktail. I love how savory and bracing they are, especially when paired with the right olives and just the right amount of brine. But as much as I love them, I started wondering what would happen if I swapped the olive brine for something a little lighter—something that would keep the savory vibe without the saltiness or oiliness that comes with traditional dirty martinis.
That curiosity led me to celery bitters. I’d picked up a bottle while experimenting with bitters for other drinks, and one night I decided to try replacing the brine in my martini with a few dashes. The result? Absolute magic. The celery bitters brought a bright, crisp flavor that added depth without overpowering the drink or coating my mouth with salt. It was still savory and spirit-forward, but lighter, cleaner, and completely refreshing.
That said, the type of celery bitters really matters. I tested several brands and quickly realized that some had a harsh, almost artificial celery taste that overwhelmed the vodka entirely. The one that stood out was The Bitter Truth Celery Bitters—it’s subtle, well-balanced, and lets the vodka and vermouth shine while adding just the right touch of herbal flavor.
And let’s not forget the garnish. I use Castelvetrano olives, which are buttery, mild, and far less salty than traditional green olives. They complement the drink perfectly and help maintain that smooth, clean finish.
This Celery Twist Martini has become one of my favorite cocktails to serve when I want something that feels familiar but unexpected. It’s crisp, elegant, and the kind of drink that always sparks a conversation—especially with fellow martini lovers.
Pair this martini with my bacon deviled eggs for an amazing appetizer/ drink combo!
Celery Twist Martini
Description
This Celery Twist Martini swaps olive brine for crisp celery bitters and buttery Castelvetrano olives for a clean, modern take on the classic dirty martini.
Ingredients
For the Drink
For the Garnish
Instructions
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Fill a mixing glass with ice.
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Add the vodka, dry vermouth, and celery bitters to the shaker.
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Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
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Strain into a chilled martini glass.
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Garnish with Castelvetrano olives on a cocktail pick.
Note
- Castelvetrano olives bring a mild, buttery contrast to the herbal celery notes.
- Shaking the martini creates a colder, slightly aerated drink for extra refreshment.
- Not all celery bitters are the same. My favorite was The Bitter Truth for its subtle notes
- Keep all your ingredients and glassware cold for the perfect crisp finish.
