Kiwi Cocktail Recipe

Kiwi Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0.3g

Protein:0.7g

Carbohydrates:16g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Kiwi Cocktail, a refreshing and fruity concoction, was first created in the 1980s in New Zealand, the home of the kiwi fruit. It quickly gained popularity among those who enjoy tropical and exotic flavors. This cocktail is perfect for warm summer days or for those who want to bring a taste of the tropics to their home bar.

  • Origin: New Zealand
  • Popular among tropical fruit lovers
  • Perfect for warm summer days or tropical-themed parties

How Kiwi Tastes?

The Kiwi Cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of tanginess from the kiwi fruit. It is light and refreshing, with a fruity aroma and a smooth finish.

Interesting facts about Kiwi

  • The kiwi fruit is native to China, but it was first commercially cultivated in New Zealand.
  • Kiwi fruits are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.
  • The Kiwi Cocktail is sometimes referred to as a 'Kiwi Martini' when served in a martini glass.

Ingredients

  • Kiwi: 2
  • Fresh lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Vodka: 1.5 oz(45ml)
  • Ice: 1 cup
  • Mint leaves: 3
  • Garnish: Kiwi Slice

A few good options for Kiwi are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Kiwi

Used for its sweet and tart flavor, kiwi adds the signature fresh taste and green hue. Using two ensures the flavor is prominent but not overwhelming. No kiwi, no kiwi cocktail! Could swap for another fruit like strawberries for a different twist but you'd miss our green friend's unique zing.

Mary Mitkina

Fresh Lime Juice

The tartness balances the sweetness of the kiwi and enhances the refreshment factor. A half-ounce is just right to pucker up without turning you into a human emoji. Leave it out, and you lose the zesty kick that keeps things lively.

Mary Mitkina

Simple Syrup

It's the sweet to your sour, smoothing out the acids and adding body. A half-ounce offers sweetness without turning it into a dessert drink. Too much, and you're sipping on syrup. Too little, and your face might stay puckered post-sip.

Alex Green

Vodka

A clean-tasting, neutral spirit, it provides the punch without altering the fruity flavors. One and a half ounces is your happy place, enough to remind you it's an adult drink, not a smoothie. Ditch it, and you've got a mocktail – which isn't a bad thing unless you're after a buzz.

Mary Mitkina

Ice

It chills, it dilutes, it's the unsung hero of any cocktail. One cup cools the drink down to perfection. No ice means no chill, and nobody wants a warm cocktail.

Mary Mitkina

Mint Leaves

Three leaves are enough to whisper of mint without screaming. They add an aromatic freshness that complements the kiwi. Forget them, and you've lost a subtle but significant layer of flavor.

Alex Green

Garnish: Kiwi Slice

The garnish is a sneak peek of what's inside and a lovely green rim accessory. Without it, the drink might look a bit naked. It's like leaving the house without earrings; you'll survive, but the outfit just isn't complete.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Kiwi Drink

  1. Peel and slice the kiwi fruits.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the kiwi slices and mint leaves.
  3. Add the fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and vodka to the shaker.
  4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.
  5. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
  6. Garnish with a kiwi slice.

Pro Tips

  • Muddle the kiwi and mint leaves gently to extract the flavors without making it bitter.
  • Use fresh lime juice for a more vibrant taste.
  • Chill the glass before serving for a refreshing experience.

Perfect Pairings

Seafood

  • Ceviche: The acidity from the lime juice complements the fresh taste of seafood.
  • Sushi Rolls: Especially those with avocado or cucumber to match the green, fresh notes of the kiwi.

Appetizers

  • Bruschetta: With light, crisp flavors that won’t overpower the delicate kiwi in the cocktail.
  • Caprese Salad: The cocktail's acidity will cut through the mozzarella's creaminess.

Desserts

  • Lemon Sorbet: The zesty flavors of both the sorbet and the cocktail will enhance one another.
  • Fruit Tarts: Pairing with other fruit-based desserts will echo the fruity note of the cocktail.

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What you could change in Kiwi

  • Kiwi: Can be replaced with other tropical fruits like mango or pineapple.
  • Vodka: Can be substituted with gin or tequila for a different flavor profile.
  • Simple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar can be used as natural sweeteners.

Explore all drinks starting with K here

And of course - twists🍹

Kiwi Cooler

  • Ingredients: Substitute vodka with gin, add cucumber slices.
  • Recipe: Muddle cucumber with kiwi and mint, follow the rest as per original. Provides a more herbal note and crispness from the cucumber, making it a garden in a glass.

Spicy Kiwi Kick

  • Ingredients: Add a dash of jalapeño syrup to the mix.
  • Recipe: Shake kiwi, mint, lime, simple syrup, vodka, and jalapeño syrup with ice. The cocktail gains a spicy edge, for those who like a drink that bites back – a fiery twist on a classic!

Kiwi Berry Blast

  • Ingredients: Add fresh strawberries and substitute simple syrup with agave nectar.
  • Recipe: Muddle strawberries with kiwi and mint, shake with lime juice, agave nectar, and vodka. A fruitier, sweeter version, feel the berry explosion complementing the kiwi's tanginess. It's like a summer party in your mouth!

In case you forgot basics how to make Kiwi

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

The key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.

Learn everything on how to muddle

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Kiwi

What glassware is suitable for serving the Kiwi cocktail?

The Kiwi Cocktail is often served in a coupe glass or it can also be served in a highball glass with ice.

Are there any specific brands of vodka that work best in this cocktail?

The choice of vodka is subjective and depends on personal preferences. A good-quality vodka that is smooth on the palate will work best with this cocktail.

Does the ripeness of the kiwi used affect the taste of the Kiwi Cocktail?

Yes, the ripeness of the kiwi used can affect the overall taste of the cocktail. A ripe kiwi will offer a sweeter taste, while an unripe kiwi will give a more tart flavor.

What time of the day is the Kiwi Cocktail best enjoyed?

The Kiwi Cocktail is a versatile drink and can be enjoyed at any time of day. However, it is most commonly served as a refreshing drink on hot summer afternoons or as a pre-dinner cocktail.

Can I make the Kiwi Cocktail non-alcoholic?

Yes, you can make it non-alcoholic by skipping the vodka and adding more fruit juice or tonic water instead.

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