Pistachio Martini Recipe: Your Guide to the Perfect Cocktail
The Pistachio Martini is a cocktail that blends the rich, nutty flavors of pistachios with the smoothness of a traditional martini. Not just a drink, but an experience, the pistachio martini offers a unique twist on a classic, making it perfect for any occasion, from festive gatherings to a quiet evening at home.
Ingredients
- Pistachio Liqueur: 2 oz store-bought or homemade
- Vodka: 1 oz
- Dry Vermouth: ½ oz
- Heavy Cream: ¾ oz optional for creaminess, can be adjusted or substituted based on dietary preferences
- Simple Syrup: ½ - 2 oz optional, adjust to taste for sweetness
For Homemade Pistachio Liqueur:
- Shelled Pistachios: 1 cup roughly chopped for homemade liqueur
- Vodka: 1 cup
- Simple Syrup: ¼ cup adjust to taste
- Green Food Coloring: A few drops optional, for color
For Homemade Simple Syrup (if making from scratch):
- Water: 1 cup
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
Instructions
For Homemade Pistachio Liqueur:
- Prepare Pistachios: Roughly chop 1 cup of shelled pistachios.
- Infuse Vodka: Combine chopped pistachios with 1 cup of vodka in a jar. Seal the jar tightly.
- Let It Infuse: Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least 48 hours, up to a week. Shake the jar occasionally to mix the ingredients.
- Strain: After the infusion period, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove all solid particles.
- Add Simple Syrup: Stir in ¼ cup of simple syrup to the strained liqueur. Adjust the sweetness according to taste.
- Color (Optional): Add a few drops of green food coloring to achieve the desired color.
For Homemade Simple Syrup:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water with 1 cup of granulated sugar.
- Dissolve Sugar: Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture has slightly thickened (about 10-15 minutes).
- Cool: Transfer the syrup to a mason jar or bowl and let it cool completely in the fridge. It will thicken further as it cools.
For the Pistachio Martini:
- Prepare Glass: If desired, rim your martini glass with crushed pistachios for added flair. You can do this by brushing the rim with simple syrup then dipping it in crushed pistachios laid out on a plate.
- Mix Ingredients: In an ice-filled shaker, add 2 oz of pistachio liqueur, 1 oz of vodka, ½ oz of dry vermouth, and ¾ oz of heavy cream (if using). If you prefer a sweeter drink, add simple syrup to taste, starting with ½ oz.
- Shake: Shake the mixture well until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into your prepared martini glass.
