This Pistachio Martini takes the classic cocktail to the next level with nutty flavors and just a bit of sweetness. Plus, the eye-catching pistachio-crusted rim makes this cocktail perfect for special occasions!
Chef Jessica Approved ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
- A fun after dinner treat – Because this martini is on the sweeter side, it’s perfect to sip on and cheers with friends after a dinner party. Great for pistachio lovers!
- Perfectly creamy texture – With the irish cream liqueur and whipped cream, it had the smoothest, creamiest texture just like our favorite espresso martini.
- Endless fun garnishes – You can coat the glass rims with either honey or simple syrup and dip into whatever garnishes you’d like! Crushed pistachios, graham crackers, chocolate shavings or melted chocolate.
What’s in the Mix
If you love a good martini, this pistachio martini version may become your new go-to! A full list of ingredients with measurements is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Pistachios – Make sure to remove both the shells and the papery skins before finely chopping the nuts.
- White Chocolate Syrup – This sweet syrup helps the pistachios stick to the rim of the glass, and adds some sweetness that pairs perfectly with the nuts. You could swap it for white chocolate liqueur for a stronger martini. You could also swap it for regular chocolate syrup for a chocolate pistachio martini.
- Vanilla Vodka – The smooth vanilla flavor in this vodka rounds out the drink and gives it some warmth. Regular vodka with a splash of vanilla extract can work, too!
- Pistachio Liqueur – This liqueur is what gives this martini its signature flavor and slightly green hue. Look for it in the specialty liqueur section.
- Irish Cream – Using Irish Cream makes the martini rich and creamy. Bailey’s is probably the most common brand, but any Irish cream will work well.
- Whipped Cream – This optional garnish adds extra creaminess to your martini. Use fresh whipped cream for the best taste and presentation. If you like yours less sweet, use heavy cream.
- Luxardo Cherries – These aren’t your run-of-the-mill maraschino cherries! Luxardo cherries are deep burgundy with a complex flavor that makes them the perfect garnish for this upscale cocktail. You can find them in specialty shops, liquor stores, and online.
The Game Plan
Crafting this pistachio martini is simpler than it looks, but the presentation will definitely knock your guests’ socks off! The combination of the pistachio rim with the creamy cocktail creates a beautiful contrast that’s as impressive to look at as it is to drink.
- Prep the glasses. Pour the white chocolate syrup into a bowl. Then, add the finely chopped pistachios to another bowl. Press the rim of each martini glass first into the syrup, then immediately into the pistachios to create a beautiful crusted edge.
- Mix the cocktail. Add plenty of ice to your cocktail shaker, then pour in the vanilla vodka, pistachio liqueur, and Irish cream. Give it a vigorous shake until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Pour with precision. Carefully pour the chilled mixture through a strainer into your prepared glasses.
- Add the finishing touches. If you’re feeling fancy, top the cocktails with a dollop of whipped cream and thread three Luxardo cherries onto a toothpick and place it in or on the glass. Really take the nutty flavor up a notch and serve with with a scoop of pistachio gelato!
5S Philosophy 👩🏻🍳
-
- Salt – This cocktail doesn’t need salt, but you can add a tiny pinch to the pistachio rim mixture to bring out the sweet and nutty flavors.
-
- Sauces – The white chocolate syrup not only helps the pistachios stick to the rim — it also adds sweetness. For even more sweet flavor and a more dramatic presentation, drizzle additional white chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring in your cocktail.
-
- Swaps – Don’t have pistachio liqueur? Try using Amaretto for an almond flavor twist that pairs well with the other ingredients. Also, vanilla ice cream can be blended in instead of Irish cream for a thicker, dessert-style variation that’s perfect for warmer months. Instead of whipped cream, you can use oat milk or almond milk as well.
-
- Senses – The first thing you’ll notice is the beautiful pale green color of this cocktail, complemented by the vibrant green rim of pistachios. The rim also creates a textural contrast between the crunchy nuts and the creamy drink, and the vanilla-meets-pistachio aroma is irresistible!
Storage and Freezing
This pistachio martini recipe is best enjoyed immediately after you make it, when it’s perfectly chilled and the flavors are freshly combined.
You can pre-rim your glasses up to a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap.
How to Store
The cocktail mixture can be combined and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You’ll need to shake it again with ice before serving.
Can I Freeze A Pistachio Martini?
This cocktail isn’t ideal for freezing — the alcohol content and dairy will not freeze properly, and they may separate when the drink is thawed.
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes, pistachio martinis incorporate actual pistachios! Some recipes call for pistachio liqueur or pistachio-infused vodka, and others use crushed pistachios as both a rim garnish and floating on top of the cocktail. You can also make homemade pistachio syrup by simmering pistachios with sugar and water.
Crushed pistachios on the rim are the perfect garnish for a pistachio martini! Whole pistachios or Luxardo cherries skewered on a cocktail pick or floating on top work well, too. You can also add a dusting of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder on top, or drizzle chocolate inside the glass.
Absolutely! For a virgin pistachio martini, combine pistachio syrup with cream or plant-based milk and a splash of vanilla extract. Shake it all together with ice and strain it into a glass. If you want a thicker version with even more pistachio flavor, try blending the other ingredients with pistachio ice cream.
More Party-Worthy Drinks
Need more suggestions for satisfying sips that are sure to impress guests? Try these recipes that are sure to make you the hostess with the mostest!
Pistachio Martini
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons pistachios , shelled and papery skins removed, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons white chocolate syrup
- 2 ounces vanilla vodka
- 3 ounces pistachio liqueur
- 1.5 ounces Irish cream
- Whipped cream , if desired for garnish, optional
- 6 luxardo cherries , for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Place the 2 tablespoons white chocolate syrup and chopped 2 tablespoons pistachios in two shallow dishes. Dip the rim of two martini glasses in the syrup and then directly into the pistachios. Set aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker 1/3 up with ice then add the 2 ounces vanilla vodka, 3 ounces pistachio liqueur and 1.5 ounces Irish cream. Shake well to chill and combine.
- Using a strainer, pour into the prepared martini glasses.
- If desired, garnish with Whipped cream and/or 3 luxardo cherries threaded onto a toothpick.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments and star ratings.
Nutrition
