In my personal opinion, vermouth is not necessary in a martini. Many traditional martini recipes call for a splash of vermouth, but I believe that it can actually work against the flavors of the olive juice in a dirty martini.
When I recently visited a martini bar, the bartender, Carlson-Tye, shared her expertise with me. She made two different dirty martinis for me – one with vermouth and one without. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the version without vermouth was actually more enjoyable.
Vermouth is a fortified wine that is commonly used as an ingredient in cocktails, including martinis. It has a distinct herbal and slightly sour flavor, which can add complexity to a drink. However, in the case of a dirty martini, the briny and savory flavors of the olive juice are already quite prominent.
When vermouth is added to a dirty martini, it can clash with the olive juice and create a somewhat muddled taste. The herbal notes of the vermouth may compete with the brininess of the olives, resulting in a less harmonious flavor profile.
By omitting the vermouth, the flavors of the olive juice are allowed to shine through more prominently. The result is a cleaner and more focused dirty martini that highlights the delicious saltiness of the olives.
Of course, taste preferences can vary greatly, and some individuals may prefer the addition of vermouth in their martinis. However, based on my personal experience and the expertise of Carlson-Tye, I believe that vermouth is not necessary in a martini, especially a dirty martini.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to include vermouth in a martini comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy the added complexity and herbal notes that vermouth brings, then by all means, include it. However, if you prefer a martini that allows the flavors of the olives to take center stage, I recommend trying a dirty martini without vermouth.