Dolly Parton's Twist On A Martini Uses Chicago's Iconic Giardiniera. Here's How

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What can't Dolly Parton do? The country legend has an iconic martini recipe with an Italian-American twist. Her Dirt Road martini flips a classic recipe on its head, swapping the familiar olive brine for something straight out of Chicago kitchens, giardiniera. This zesty Italian-American relish, which originated in Sicily, is a staple in Windy City hot dogs and sandwiches, lending its brine to the cocktail for a sharp, tangy kick. Combined with vodka and unsweetened tea, the result is a drink that feels equal parts southern charm and Midwestern grit.

The idea, first spotlighted in her cookbook "Good Lookin' Cookin'" with sister Rachel Parton George, is an homage to southern tradition with a splash of Dolly Parton's dazzle. Vodka brings a hearty backbone, tea adds earthy bitterness, and giardiniera brine ties it all together with a savory liquid. A garnish of Spanish queen olives and giardiniera vegetables adds an array of bright oranges and reds from peppers, compared to the traditional monotone hues of olive green in a martini. The balance of tangy, spicy, and earthy notes from the iced tea breaks every rule while being easy to create.

The simplicity of Dolly Parton's martini recipe makes it a go-to cocktail at home. The flavor begins with equal parts vodka and unsweetened tea, about two ounces each. A small splash of giardiniera brine, a half tablespoon, adds a far from ordinary taste. Stir it all with ice until the mix is chilled, then strain into a glass. The garnish leaves room for creativity. Dolly's version calls for olives and giardiniera vegetables like carrots, peppers, and cauliflower. But Boursin or blue cheese stuffed olives can take things up a salty notch, turning the Dirt Road martini into a visual splendor. If serving Dolly's martini at a cocktail party, a garnish station full of giardinieri, cheeses, and quirky toothpicks can allow guests to concoct their own drink-topping masterpieces.

The savory, bitter, and briny combo of this martini is unique and captivating for those wanting to push the boundaries of traditional cocktails and bridge cuisines. Dolly's southern roots meet Chicago's bold food tradition in a glass, bridging two food cultures. Original with a nod to small-town nostalgia and a tip of the hat to big-city dreams, just like Dolly herself. Dolly's Dirt Road martini is for those who don't want to play it safe but appreciate tradition at the same time.