A Pistachio Martini So Tasty It'll Send You to Nutty Nirvana

This divine pistachio martini proves the saying that you shouldn't knock it until you try it.

Updated February 25, 2024
pistachio martini recipe

When you think of enjoying pistachios, cocktails don't often come to mind. While pistachio ice cream and fluffy pistachio cake are scrumptious staples, you might feel like the pistachio martini comes out of left field. But this delightful, decadent recipe proves that everything's worth trying at least once. 

How to Make a Pistachio Martini 

This martini's star ingredient is the pistachio liqueur. It's what transforms a simple martini into a one-of-a-kind cocktail. Toss in enough limoncello to brighten up the flavors, and you've got a modern mixology marvel. 

Ingredients

  • Lemon wedge and crushed pistachios for rim
  • 1½ ounces pistachio liqueur
  • 1 ounce vodka
  • ½ ounce limoncello
  • Ice
  • Lemon slice for garnish

Instructions

  1. To prepare the rim, rub a lemon wedge along the rim of a martini glass or coupe. 
  2. With the crushed pistachios on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the pistachios to coat.
  3. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, pistachio liqueur, vodka, and the limoncello.
  4. Shake to chill.
  5. Strain into the prepared glass.
  6. Garnish with a lemon slice.
Quick Tip

Transform this martini into a dessert cocktail by adding vanilla vodka and a creamier pistachio liqueur. Get your sweet tooth on by substituting the limoncello with white chocolate cream liqueur. 

Related: Nutty Italian Coffee Cocktail to Chase Away the Chill

4 Variations and Substitutions to Try 

When it comes to the pistachio martini, there's no industry standard recipe. This means you can get your amateur mixologist on and experiment with unique ingredient additions and substitutions. 

  • Add a few drops of cardamom, cherry, cranberry, lemon, orange, or peach bitters for a hint of complementary flavor. 
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of limoncello for a crisp flavor.
  • Opt for silver or coconut rum instead of vodka as the base spirit for something a bit more tropical. You can still use limoncello but consider orange liqueur too.
  • Include a splash of half-and-half to add a little creaminess.

Garnishes That'll Dress Things Up 

There's no traditional garnish for the pistachio martini, so you're free to play and experiment with different options.

  • Skip the rim if you don't want a crunchy sip.
  • A lemon twist, peel, or coin gives a pop of color and a subtle citrus touch.
  • If you use orange liqueur, emphasize the orange flavors by including orange in the garnish, be it a wheel, wedge, slice, peel, twist, or coin.
  • Dehydrated citrus wheels are an unexpected topper for this martini, but they can add a captivating, darker look. 
  • Whipped cream, with or without crushed pistachios sprinkled on top, makes for an amusing garnish. 
  • Add a rosemary sprig for an herbaceous touch. 

Don't Knock It Until You Try It 

While pistachio may seem like the last flavor you'd expect to see in a martini, it's a treat you've got to try. Kiss the almond liqueurs and hazelnuts goodbye, and go for gold with this pistachio martini instead. 

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A Pistachio Martini So Tasty It'll Send You to Nutty Nirvana