This cocktail is my Japanese twist on a classic Dirty Martini, made with Japanese gin, Oka Kura Bermutto, and a splash of Mezzetta olive brine. Oka Kura Bermutto isn’t a traditional vermouth—it’s crafted from aromatized, shochu-fortified sake instead of wine. That base gives it a softer, rounder profile with gentle umami and floral notes, compared to the sharper wine-driven vermouths typically used in American olive martinis. Even with those delicate nuances, the drink stays unmistakably spirit-forward. The result is a Dirty Martini that’s savory but beautifully balanced - smooth, delicate, and surprisingly easy to love, even for someone who doesn’t usually reach for an olive martini.

For sour seekers and umami lovers alike.

I’ve always loved umeboshi — the intensely sour, salty pickled plum at the heart of so many childhood memories. This martini is my love letter to it: Japanese gin and vermouth meet the briny brightness of umeboshi, creating a savory, umami-rich cocktail that’s bold, refined, and delightfully unexpected.