If you’re on the hunt for a cocktail that’s refreshing, a little savory, and just a bit unexpected, you’re going to love this one. The Dirty Spritz with Olive and Thyme Recipe is one of those fantastic discoveries I stumbled upon that instantly became a favorite to whip up when friends come over or when I want to treat myself to something a bit different. It combines the bright citrusy zing of an aperitivo with the subtle salty depth of olive brine, rounded out by aromatic thyme — truly a delightful twist on your usual spritz.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Flavor Profile: The combination of citrus, tonic, olive brine, and thyme creates a surprisingly harmonious and refreshing cocktail.
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can impress your guests in minutes.
- Unique and Memorable: This Dirty Spritz stands out from the classic spritz with its savory twist, perfect for those who love a bit of sophistication.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual brunch or an evening cocktail hour, this recipe fits right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for the Dirty Spritz with Olive and Thyme Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best in each other. Here’s a quick rundown with some tips to help you shop smart and get the best results.
- Citrus Aperitivo: Look for a light, citrus-forward aperitivo like Aperol or a local brand; it brings brightness and a slight bitterness that balances the drink.
- Tonic Water: Choose a high-quality tonic water with real quinine and natural flavors for that perfect fizzy touch without overpowering sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is absolutely best here—you want that bright, tart lift without any bitterness from bottled juice.
- Olive Brine: Use the brine from good-quality green olives, preferably from a jar you enjoy eating because this adds a salty, savory depth.
- Olives (for garnish): Go for green olives stuffed with herbs or garlic for an extra flavor punch.
- Thyme Sprig: Fresh thyme adds a wonderful herbal aroma that elevates the whole cocktail experience.
Variations
I love how flexible the Dirty Spritz with Olive and Thyme Recipe is — you can tweak it quite easily depending on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. Experimenting with the base aperitivo or herbs has led to some of my favorite personalized versions.
- Herbal Twist: I’ve swapped thyme with rosemary or basil when I wanted a slightly different herbal note, and each brings a new character to the drink.
- Aperitivo Substitute: In case you don’t have a citrus aperitivo, a light vermouth or dry white wine plus a splash of citrus liqueur works surprisingly well.
- Less Salty: If you’re cautious about saltiness, reduce the olive brine slightly; I found that 0.2 oz still gives that savory hint without overwhelming.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a thin slice of fresh chili or a dash of chili bitters transforms this into a more complex, spicy spritz I adore on chilly evenings.
How to Make Dirty Spritz with Olive and Thyme Recipe
Step 1: Gather Everything and Chill Your Glass
Before mixing, I always grab all my ingredients and give the glass a quick chill in the freezer or fridge. It’s a small step that really keeps the drink refreshing longer, especially since this spritz is served over ice. You’ll also want to have fresh lemons ready to juice and your thyme sprig set aside for garnish. Trust me, prepping ahead makes this a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Collins Glass
Add 1.5 oz of your citrus aperitivo, 0.5 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 0.25 oz of olive brine right into the glass. Then pour 3 oz of tonic water on top. I gently stir it twice—just enough to mix without flattening that sparkling tonic.
Step 3: Add Ice and Garnish with Olives and Thyme
Fill the glass generously with ice after stirring so it stays nice and cold. For the garnish, I like threading a couple of green olives onto a cocktail pick and placing a fresh thyme sprig right alongside. That aroma of thyme as you sip is just heavenly and really lifts the whole vibe of the drink.
Pro Tips for Making Dirty Spritz with Olive and Thyme Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using freshly squeezed lemon juice and good-quality olive brine really makes all the difference in flavor and brightness.
- Stir Gently: I learned that stirring just twice is perfect—it blends the flavors without losing the tonic’s fizz.
- Chill Your Glass: This small step helps keep the spritz crisp and cold longer, especially important on hot days.
- Avoid Oversalting: Be precise with the olive brine measurement; too much can overpower, but the right amount adds that savory magic.
How to Serve Dirty Spritz with Olive and Thyme Recipe
Garnishes
I always use a skewer with two to three green olives paired with a fresh thyme sprig because the olive adds that salty bite and interest, while the thyme brings a delightful aroma that unfolds with every sip. You can also experiment by lightly bruising the thyme before garnishing to release extra oils—it’s a subtle touch that guests really notice.
Side Dishes
Because this spritz leans savory and refreshing, I love pairing it with salty finger foods like marinated nuts, olives, or cheese boards featuring Manchego and goat cheese. It’s also amazing alongside light seafood dishes or bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I sometimes serve these in coupe glasses instead of collins glasses for an elegant touch. Adding a small edible flower with the thyme also enhances the presentation. If you want to get festive, consider rimming the glass with a pinch of smoked sea salt to echo that olive brine flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Since this cocktail relies on tonic’s bubbles and fresh citrus, it’s best enjoyed right after making. I wouldn’t recommend storing a mixed drink for longer than a few hours, but you can prepare the citrus and olive brine mix ahead and refrigerate it. Then add tonic and ice right before serving for maximum freshness.
Freezing
I haven’t tried freezing this recipe because tonic water loses carbonation and fresh citrus flavors don’t hold up well in the freezer. Plus, olive brine texture might change. So, sticking to making it fresh is the way to go here.
Reheating
Reheating doesn’t apply for this kind of cocktail, but if you’re saving the citrus mix, just stir well before topping off with tonic and adding fresh ice to keep everything lively.
FAQs
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What kind of olive brine should I use for the Dirty Spritz with Olive and Thyme Recipe?
Use the brine from green olives that you enjoy eating—typically from jars or tins labeled as cocktail olives or green olives in brine. Avoid brines from overly salty or heavily spiced olives to maintain a balanced flavor.
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Can I substitute tonic water for soda water or another mixer?
Tonic water’s slightly bitter, sweet, and quinine flavor is a key part of the Dirty Spritz’s profile, so using soda water will result in a different taste. However, if you prefer less sweetness, a sparkling mineral water with a touch of lemon could work.
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Is this cocktail suitable for non-drinkers?
You can easily make a non-alcoholic version by skipping the citrus aperitivo and using a bitter non-alcoholic aperitif or an herbal tea base with the same lemon juice, olive brine, and tonic. It still delivers complexity and refreshment.
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How do I infuse more herbal flavor into the Dirty Spritz with Olive and Thyme Recipe?
Try muddling a few thyme leaves gently before adding the rest of the ingredients, or adding a small sprig of thyme into the cocktail shaker for a minute before pouring. This method intensifies the herbal aroma without overpowering the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I can’t recommend the Dirty Spritz with Olive and Thyme Recipe enough — it’s one of those drinks that surprises everyone who tries it, including me the first time. It’s refreshing but also savory and full of personality, perfect for switching up your cocktail game or impressing guests with something unexpected. Give it a shot next time you want a drink that’s bright, complex, and a little bit cheeky. Trust me, once you try it, this spritz will be the highlight of your gatherings and a new personal favorite.
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Dirty Spritz with Olive and Thyme Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
The Dirty Spritz is a refreshing and slightly savory cocktail featuring a delightful blend of citrus aperitivo, tonic water, lemon juice, and a hint of olive brine. This vibrant drink is garnished with olives and a thyme sprig, making it a perfect choice for a light, flavorful spritz with an intriguing twist.
Ingredients
Drink Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Citrus Aperitivo
- 3 oz tonic water
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.25 oz olive brine
Garnish
- Olives
- Thyme sprig
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add 1.5 oz of citrus aperitivo, 3 oz of tonic water, 0.5 oz of lemon juice, and 0.25 oz of olive brine into a collins glass.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice to chill the mixture thoroughly.
- Stir: Stir the contents gently two times to combine all the flavors without diluting the drink excessively.
- Garnish: Add olives and a fresh thyme sprig on top as a garnish to enhance the aroma and presentation.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- The olive brine adds a salty, savory note balancing the sweetness of the aperitivo.
- This cocktail is best served immediately while cold and fresh.
- For a less intense olive flavor, adjust the olive brine quantity to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (approximately 8.25 oz)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
