You know those party moments when everyone crowds around one appetizer? That’s exactly what happened the first time I served my dirty martini dip recipe at a gathering. I’d been craving the briny, tangy flavors of my favorite cocktail in dip form – and wow, did this deliver! The combination of creamy cheese, punchy olives, and that signature olive brine kick had guests coming back for “just one more” scoop all night.
What I love most is how ridiculously easy this is to whip up. No cooking, just mixing and chilling while you prep the rest of your spread. It’s become my go-to when I need something impressive but don’t want to fuss – the flavors deepen as it chills, making it taste like you spent way more time on it than you actually did. Trust me, this cocktail-inspired dip will disappear faster than you can say “last round!”

Why You’ll Love This Dirty Martini Dip Recipe
This isn’t just any dip – it’s the life of the party! Here’s why it’s become my absolute favorite:
- 5-minute prep – Just mix, chill, and you’re done (I’ve made it while chatting with guests!)
- Cocktail-bar flavor – That briny olive punch makes people’s eyes light up
- Always disappears first – I have to hide a portion for myself
- No oven needed – Perfect for hot summer days when cooking sounds awful
Seriously, if you love dirty martinis, you’ll go wild for this dippable version!
Ingredients for Dirty Martini Dip
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – this is where the magic happens! You’ll need:
- The creamy dream team: 8 oz cream cheese (softened – trust me, cold cream cheese is the enemy here), ½ cup sour cream, and ¼ cup mayonnaise (this trio makes the perfect luscious base)
- The dirty martini stars: ¼ cup chopped green olives (I like the ones stuffed with pimentos for color) plus 2 tbsp of that glorious olive brine (this is the secret weapon!)
- The flavor boosters: 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp black pepper
- The optional “happy hour” addition: ¼ cup gin or vodka (I usually add it – because why not?)
Pro tip: Set your cream cheese out about 30 minutes before starting – it makes blending so much easier!
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s all you’ll need to whip up this dip – I promise it’s nothing fancy:
- A medium mixing bowl (my trusty glass one gets the job done every time)
- A sturdy spatula or wooden spoon (for that satisfying scrape-the-bowl action)
- Measuring spoons (eyeballing the brine never ends well for me!)
If you want extra creamy results, an electric hand mixer works wonders – but honestly, a little arm workout with a spoon does the trick too!
How to Make Dirty Martini Dip
Alright, let’s get mixing! This dip comes together so fast you’ll be shocked at how much flavor we’re packing in. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have party guests begging for the recipe.
Step 1: Combine the Base
First things first – grab that softened cream cheese (see? I told you letting it sit out was important!). Plop it into your mixing bowl with the sour cream and mayo. Now, here’s where patience pays off – mix until it’s completely smooth with no lumps. I like to start with a spatula, then switch to a whisk if I spot any stubborn cream cheese chunks. A minute or two of vigorous stirring should do it!
Step 2: Add Flavor Boosters
Now for the fun part! Toss in those chopped olives (I like mine roughly chopped for texture), that magical olive brine, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. This is where you can taste as you go – want more brine? Add another teaspoon! Feeling fancy? Pour in that gin or vodka if you’re using it. Mix everything until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl to catch any stragglers.

Step 3: Chill and Serve
Here’s the hardest part – waiting! Cover your bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour (though overnight is even better). This chilling time lets all those bold flavors get to know each other. When you’re ready to serve, transfer to your prettiest bowl and surround it with crackers, crusty bread, or veggie sticks. I always garnish with a few extra olive slices on top for that “bartender’s touch” presentation.
Tips for the Best Dirty Martini Dip
After making this dip more times than I can count, here are my foolproof tips for absolute perfection:
- Full-fat is the way to go – Low-fat dairy just doesn’t give you that luxuriously creamy texture we’re after (and let’s be honest, we’re not eating dip to count calories!)
- Chop those olives small – Big chunks can overpower bites, so I aim for pea-sized pieces that distribute evenly
- Taste before adding extra brine – Different olive brands vary in saltiness, so I always mix everything first, then adjust
Bonus trick: Let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes before serving – it softens just enough for perfect scoopability!
Variations and Substitutions
This dip is crazy adaptable to whatever you’ve got on hand! For my vegan friends, swap in plant-based cream cheese and mayo – it works surprisingly well. Not into booze? Skip the gin/vodka entirely (the brine still gives that cocktail vibe). Want some heat? A tablespoon of minced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce takes it up a notch. I’ve even used kalamata olives when I ran out of green ones – totally different but still delicious!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities! I love serving this dip with an assortment of dippers – crunchy celery sticks, crisp cucumber rounds, and colorful bell pepper strips make perfect veggie vehicles. For carb lovers, try buttery crackers, pretzel twists, or toasted baguette slices. My signature move? A crown of olive slices and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top – makes it look straight from a fancy cocktail lounge!
Storage and Reheating
This dip keeps like a dream! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days – though mine never lasts that long. You might notice a little liquid separation after chilling; just give it a quick stir before serving. No reheating needed – in fact, it tastes best cold straight from the fridge!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind these are rough estimates – actual nutrition will vary based on your specific ingredients and brands used. As with any good party dip, this is meant for enjoying in moderation with friends!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make dirty martini dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it – the flavors get even better after chilling overnight. Just keep it covered in the fridge and give it a quick stir before serving. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days (if it lasts that long!).
Q: Is the alcohol really necessary?
Not at all! The dip gets plenty of flavor from the olive brine and other ingredients. I add gin sometimes for fun, but you won’t miss it if you skip it. The brine alone gives that signature dirty martini taste.
Q: Help! My dip turned out too runny – how do I fix it?
No worries – happens to me too if I get overzealous with the brine! Just stir in a tablespoon of extra cream cheese at a time until it thickens up. Let it chill for another 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
Q: Can I use black olives instead of green?
You bet! The flavor will be slightly different (more mellow), but still delicious. I’d recommend using kalamatas if you go this route – their briny punch works great in this dip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my foolproof dirty martini dip that never fails to impress! Give it a try at your next gathering and watch it disappear. I’d love to hear how your version turns out – tag me if you share photos!
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Craving the 5-Minute Dirty Martini Dip Recipe Everyone Steals
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory and tangy dip inspired by the classic dirty martini cocktail, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive brine
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup gin or vodka (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Add chopped olives, olive brine, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
- If using, stir in gin or vodka for an extra kick.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve with crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks.
Notes
- For a stronger olive flavor, add more brine or olives.
- This dip tastes best when chilled for a few hours before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg