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Homemade Martini Olives

Once you start making these Homemade Martini Olives, there's no stopping.  Whether you're having a party with friends or making a party appetizer, these cocktail olives are a tasty treat.  Plus, they make the perfect gift for any martini enthusiast.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Drinks, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cocktail olives, creative christmas gifts, edible christmas gifts, homemade cocktail olives, homemade martini olives, how to make martini olives, martini olives, olive brine
Servings: 1 quart
Author: Barbara

Ingredients

Quart Recipe (Best with Spanish Manzanilla, Pimento Stuffed Olives)

  • 2 (5.75 oz) jars Green Olives see notes below
  • 8 ounces white wine vinegar
  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

Pint Recipe (Best with Blue Cheese Stuffed Green Olives)

  • 12 ounces Green Olives
  • 4 ounces white wine vinegar
  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
  • 1 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

Instructions

  • Zest a lemon. Set aside.
  • Squeeze the juice from a lemon; remove seeds and discard.
    Once you start making these Homemade Martini Olives, there's no stopping.  Whether you're having a party with friends or making a party appetizer, these cocktail olives are a tasty treat.  Plus, they make the perfect gift for any martini enthusiast.
  • Pour the olives (including juice) into a clean mason jar.
    Once you start making these Homemade Martini Olives, there's no stopping.  Whether you're having a party with friends or making a party appetizer, these cocktail olives are a tasty treat.  Plus, they make the perfect gift for any martini enthusiast.
  • Add white wine vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice and minced garlic. Stir.
    Once you start making these Homemade Martini Olives, there's no stopping.  Whether you're having a party with friends or making a party appetizer, these cocktail olives are a tasty treat.  Plus, they make the perfect gift for any martini enthusiast.
  • Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator. This keeps indefinitely.

Notes

  • Use your favorite green olive.  I recommend Spanish Manzanilla, Pimento Stuffed or Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives. 
  • Essentially, this recipe makes a delicious olive brine.  The longer the olives marinate, the tastier they become. 
  • Add these to a martini or eat them just as they are.
  • See the recipe card for a recipe for both a pint or quart sized jar.
  • To be a little extra fancy, cut off the lemon zest in strips instead. 
  • These homemade cocktail olives won't go bad as long long as they are kept in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
  • These are the perfect edible Christmas gift. Pack them up in a basket with everything needed for a dirty martini---cocktail shaker, cocktail toothpicks, vodka (or gin) and vermouth. Or pair them with a new set of martini glasses!