Pink Martini Cocktail Recipe

Pink Martini Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

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 Pink Martini is a delightful and refreshing cocktail that has been enjoyed by many since the early 20th century. It is believed to have been created in the 1920s during the Prohibition era in the United States. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a fruity and slightly sweet drink with a touch of elegance.

  • Originated in the 1920s
  • Popular during the Prohibition era
  • Ideal for those who enjoy fruity and elegant cocktails

How Pink Martini Tastes?

The Pink Martini has a fruity and slightly sweet taste, with a hint of tartness from the lemon juice. It is a well-balanced cocktail that is both refreshing and sophisticated.

Interesting facts about Pink Martini

  • The Pink Martini is sometimes referred to as the 'Pink Lady'
  • The cocktail's pink hue comes from the combination of grenadine and cranberry juice
  • It is often served in a martini glass, giving it an air of elegance and sophistication

Ingredients

A few good options for Pink Martini are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

The spirit base of our cocktail, Vodka provides a clean, neutral canvas that allows the flavors of the other ingredients to shine. It's potent (hello 2oz!), so if you go overboard, you risk overshadowing the fruit flavors, but not enough and you'll miss that warm, fuzzy buzz we're aiming for. If you're feeling adventurous, switch to a citrus-flavored vodka to intensify the fruity notes.

Alex Green

Cranberry Juice

Cranberry Juice adds that signature pink hue and brings a tart contrast to the sweet grenadine and lemon twist. Using just the right amount (1oz) keeps the balance; too little and your drink is just a spiked lemonade, too much and you're at Thanksgiving dinner.

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice

A little (0.5oz of) Lemon Juice goes a long way; it cuts through the sweetness and gives our Pink Martini that refreshing zing. If you're out of lemons, a dash of lime juice could work, but you'll have more of a tropical vibe going on.

Mary Mitkina

Grenadine

Grenadine is the magician that pulls the sweet rabbit out of the hat for our Pink Martini (0.5oz is your magic number). It's sweet, it's red, and without it, your drink isn't pink anymore! Want a twist? Try using a raspberry syrup for a berry-forward flavor.

Alex Green

Ice

Ice is not just about keeping things cool; it's about proper dilution. No one likes a watered-down drink, but a too-strong cocktail can be a rough ride too. So fill your shaker with enough ice to chill, but not drown.

Emma Rose

Lemon Twist

Think of a Lemon Twist as the zesty hello wave of your cocktail. It's that aromatic garnish that also imparts subtle flavor. No lemons? A bit of orange peel could work but expect a less tangy, more sweetly perfumed greeting.

Mary Mitkina

Garnish: Maraschino Cherry

And finally, the Maraschino Cherry: the sweet jewel atop our cocktail crown. It adds a touch of elegance and an extra pop of sweetness with each sip—or save it till the end for a boozy little treat!

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Pink Martini Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add the vodka, cranberry juice, lemon juice, and grenadine to the shaker
  3. Shake well until chilled and combined
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist and a maraschino cherry

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well mixed
  • Always use fresh lemon juice for the best taste
  • Chill the martini glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool for longer

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese Plate: The fruity notes of the Pink Martini complement the creaminess of cheeses like Brie or Goat Cheese.
  • Seafood: The acidity from the lemon juice pairs beautifully with shrimp cocktail or smoked salmon.
  • Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad with melons or berries brings out the sweetness of the grenadine in the martini.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Chicken: The tartness of the cranberry is a perfect match for the savory flavors of grilled or roasted chicken.
  • Pasta: Lightly flavored pasta dishes, such as one with a lemon butter sauce, allow the vibrant flavors of the Pink Martini to shine.

Desserts

  • Lemon Tart: Complementing the citrus element of the cocktail, a lemon tart creates a delightful pairing.
  • Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate contrasts wonderfully with the sweet and fruity profile of the cocktail.

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What you could change in Pink Martini

  • Vodka: Can be replaced with gin for a different flavor profile
  • Cranberry Juice: Can be substituted with raspberry juice for a more tart flavor
  • Lemon Juice: Lime juice can be used as a substitute

Explore all drinks starting with P here

And of course - twists🍹

Berry Pink Martini

Substitute raspberry vodka for the regular vodka Replace half of the cranberry juice with raspberry puree Use lime juice instead of lemon juice

This twist brings a berry blast to the Pink Martini, emphasizing the richer berry flavor profile over the traditional tartness. The color deepens, and the taste buds dance to a slightly different, fruitier tune.

Spicy Pink Martini

Add a dash of jalapeño syrup to the mix Garnish with a small slice of fresh jalapeño

Turn up the heat with a spicy tweak! The jalapeño syrup introduces a warm kick that contrasts with the sweetness. Sip with caution, though—this one might just breathe a little fire!

Sparkling Pink Martini

Top off with a splash of sparkling wine after pouring into the glass Substitute simple syrup for grenadine for a less sugary taste

Add some effervescence to your Pink Martini! The sparkling wine gives an extra festive touch and lightens the drink, perfect for those who enjoy a sophisticated fizzy sensation.

In case you forgot basics how to make Pink Martini

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

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 Pink Martini

What is the best type of vodka to use for a Pink Martini?

The type of vodka you use depends largely on personal preference. However, most bartenders prefer using a neutral or lightly flavored vodka to keep the original flavors of the Pink Martini intact.

Can I make a Pink Martini without alcohol?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Pink Martini by substituting the vodka with non-alcoholic substitutes like club soda or tonic water.

What is the significance of the Pink Martini during the Prohibition era?

Due to its camouflage pink color it might has been easier to hide the fact that there's alcohol in it which made Pink Martini a popular drink during the Prohibition

What other types of garnishes can be used in a Pink Martini?

While the traditional garnishes for a Pink Martini are a lemon twist and a maraschino cherry, you can experiment with other fruits like strawberries, lime slices, or even a sprig of mint for a refreshing twist.

How does shaking the mix in a cocktail shaker affect the taste of the Pink Martini?

Shaking the mix helps to blend the ingredients more thoroughly, resulting in a more unified and smooth taste. It also helps to aerate the mix, which can enhance the flavors of the ingredients.

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