Algonquin vs. Dirty Martini

The difference, by the numbers

Both have dry vermouth. Only the Algonquin has rye whiskey and pineapple juice; only the Dirty Martini has gin and olive brine. In parts, an Algonquin is 2 whiskey, 1 vermouth and 1 pineapple; a Dirty Martini is 4 gin, 1½ vermouth and 1 olive brine. By volume, the Algonquin is 50% spirit, 25% mixer and juice and 25% fortified wine and bitter; the Dirty Martini is 62% spirit, 23% fortified wine and bitter and 15% mixer and juice. That makes them close cousins on the ratio map.

The Dirty Martini is the stronger drink in the glass (19.9% ABV against 16.1%) and holds more alcohol (1.58 standard drinks against 1.37). Calories are close (about 150 and 158), but the Algonquin has more sugar (3.1 g against 0.7 g). The Algonquin is shaken and served in a coupe; the Dirty Martini is stirred and served in a martini glass.