Kumquat Martini
Our Kumquat Martini is a refreshingly sweet & sour cocktail. This 4-ingredient cocktail is so simple, yet stunning. Ripe kumquats are muddled in a cocktail shaker along with agave or simple syrup, then shaken with your favorite vodka. This icy cold libation is then poured into a sugar rimmed martini glass, and garnished with a few slices of fresh kumquats. What’s not to love about this deliciously fresh tasting cocktail?!
Whether you like your cocktails more juicy or pure, you and your muddler are in control! Muddle the kumquats more for a juicier cocktail, or a little less for just a hint of kumquat flavor. Either way is simple and delicious! Want to know more about how you can make this recipe in advance for a crowd, and pimp our recipe? Read more about this in our Blog Comments & Tips.
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RECIPE
(Check out our Step by Step Instructions below the recipe card.)
KUMQUAT MARTINI
Ingredients
Instructions
- To make the sugar rim, add superfine sugar to a small plate (enough to cover the bottom). Halve 1 kumquat crosswise, and rub the rim of a 4.5 ounce martini glass with the cut side of a halved kumquat (or a little water), and set kumquat aside. Then dip the wet rim into sugar, twist a bit, lift, and gently tap the glass to remove any excess sugar. Refrigerate until ready to use (at least 15 minutes).
- For the kumquat garnish, slice 1 whole kumquat into three slices of equal width. Skewer the slices onto a cocktail pick, and set aside.
- Using a sharp knife, halve remaining 2 kumquats crosswise, and remove seeds.
- Toss in the halved & deseeded kumquats into a cocktail shaker (you'll need all 3 halved kumquats for the cocktail), and add agave (or simple syrup - see Note #1). Using a muddler, tamp down and muddle the kumquats for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the essence and juices of the kumquats have been released (see Note #2). Add vodka, and ice cubes, cover, and shake vigorously.
- Using a small fine mesh strainer (or bar strainer), strain the cocktail into the chilled martini glass. Garnish with the prepared cocktail pick (optional), and serve immediately!
Notes
- This amount of agave nectar will produce a tart but not sour martini that is not too sweet. If you like the strong flavor of kumquat with an intense pucker, use only 1 teaspoon of agave nectar to sweeten the martini. The amount of agave needed to create the perfect balance will depend on the natural sweetness or sourness of the kumquat, and your own palate.
- The longer you muddle the kumquats, the more juice and tartness it will produce. The color of the martini will also become more vivid (see blog serving photos for examples), so customize it to your taste!
- Make Ahead Instructions for Entertaining: Prep the kumquat garnish, the sugar rimmed martini glasses, and chill the glasses in advance. To prepare the martini mixture in advance, just add the cut kumquats, and agave nectar to a large measuring cup. Then muddle the kumquats and agave to break down the fruit. Add vodka to the measuring cup, and stir to combine. Let rest for about 2-3 minutes, then strain through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir, pour up to two servings at a time into a cocktail shaker, and shake vigorously. Pour into prepared cocktail glasses, and serve as guests arrive.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
312.25Fat (grams)
0.73Sat. Fat (grams)
0.08Carbs (grams)
27.52Fiber (grams)
4.98Net carbs
22.56Sugar (grams)
21.31Protein (grams)
1.44Sodium (milligrams)
11.89Cholesterol (grams)
0Nutritional information provided is strictly an estimate and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods. Nutritional calculations include sugar rim, and kumquat garnish. If not including these ingredients, nutritional values will be reduced by 29 calories, 4 grams fewer sugars.
Step by Step Instructions
PREPARATION
Organize all your tools and ingredients before you begin. Getting all your ingredients in one place at the beginning will shorten your prep time.
STEP 1
To make the sugar rim, add superfine sugar to a small plate (enough to cover the bottom). Wet the rim of a 4.5 ounce martini glass with a little water. Then dip the wet rim into sugar, twist a bit, lift, and gently tap the glass to remove any excess sugar. Refrigerate until ready to use (at least 15 minutes).
Note: The sugar rim is optional. If you are using a sugar rim, you can wet the rim of the glass with a halved kumquat instead of using water.
STEP 2
Halve 3 fresh kumquats crosswise, remove seeds (see Note below), and set aside. For the optional garnish, slice 1 additional kumquat into three slices of equal width (remove seeds, if you like). Skewer the three slices onto a cocktail pick, and set aside.
Note: Although the seeds are edible, they can impart a slightly bitter taste to the cocktail, so they should be removed and discarded.
STEP 3a
Put the kumquat halves and 1 ½ teaspoons agave nectar (or simple syrup - see Note A below) into a cocktail shaker. Using a muddler, tamp down and muddle the kumquats for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the essence and juices of the kumquats have been released (see Note B below).
Note A: This amount of agave nectar will produce a tart but not sour martini that is not too sweet. If you like the strong flavor of kumquat with an intense pucker, use only 1 teaspoon of agave nectar to sweeten the martini. If you like it sweeter, just add more agave. The amount of agave needed to create the perfect balance will depend on the natural sweetness or sourness of the kumquat, and your own palate.
Note B: The longer you muddle the kumquats, the more juice and sourness it will produce. The color of the martini will also become more vivid (see blog serving photos for examples), so customize it to your taste!
STEP 3b
Add vodka, and ice cubes, cover, and shake vigorously. Using a small fine mesh strainer (or bar strainer), strain the cocktail into the chilled martini glass.
STEP 4
Add vodka, and ice cubes, cover, and shake vigorously. Using a small fine mesh strainer (or bar strainer), strain the cocktail into the chilled martini glass.
SERVING
Garnish with the prepared cocktail pick, and serve immediately!
Note: Photos below show the results of muddling a little longer or a little less.
Notes:
See the Pimp Our Recipe section in our Blog Comments & Tips below for make ahead instructions for entertaining (for a crowd).
Makes 1 serving.
VIDEO
How to Make this Deliciously Refreshing Sweet & Sour Cocktail!
Blog Comments & Tips
Deliciously Refreshing Sweet & Sour Cocktail!
If you have a kumquat tree (or know someone who does), you are going to want to keep this recipe on file! This Kumquat Martini is so deliciously tangy, but not so sour that it makes your mouth pucker.
Never tried a kumquat? The next time you encounter a kumquat at the store (or an actual kumquat tree), just pop one in your mouth (yes, the whole thing, seeds and all - because the seeds are actually edible), and fasten your seat belt for a serious pucker!
Kumquats have a sweet orangey flavored peel, but the fruit itself is sour like a lemon. So, if you like lemony tart flavors, then we think you’ll love this cocktail! Whether you like your cocktails on the juicy side, or more pure, you can easily make it your way. Just muddle more or less for the desired result.
Aside from the beauty of its vibrant color, we love the complexity of the flavors. Although it’s a sweet & sour cocktail, it has a warmth to it from the addition of agave nectar. If you are a purist, then it’s fine to use simple syrup instead!
Now you have the recipe, how do you ensure the best results from our recipe?
Our 5 tips to making a refreshing Kumquat Martini:
High quality & organic ingredients. Since there are few ingredients in this recipe, make sure to use your favorite vodka, and use organic kumquats and agave nectar.
Make sure to seed the kumquats. Although the seeds are edible, they can impart a slightly bitter taste to the cocktail, so they should be discarded.
Muddle to your heart's content! The longer you muddle, the stronger the kumquat flavor and more vibrant the color. Keep in mind that you may need to add more agave (or simple syrup) as the juice will be sour. Taste test before shaking, and keep in mind that the flavor will soften after you shake with ice.
Chill your martini glasses in advance to keep that cocktail ice cold.
Don’t forget the sugar rim and that beautiful garnish!
Have any dietary preferences that won’t quite work with our recipe? It’s time to customize and Pimp Our Recipe.
Pimp Our Recipe:
Make it Sugar Free: Replace the agave nectar with sugar free simple syrup.
Make Ahead Instructions for Entertaining (for a Crowd): Recipe can be increased by adjusting the amounts according to the number of servings you need. Prep the kumquat garnish, the sugar rimmed martini glasses, and chill the glasses in advance. To prepare the martini mixture in advance, just add the cut kumquats, and agave nectar to a large measuring cup. Then muddle the kumquats and agave to break down the fruit. Add vodka to the measuring cup, and stir to combine. Let rest for about 2-3 minutes, then strain through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve. When ready to serve, stir mixture, pour up to two servings at a time into a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake vigorously. Pour into prepared cocktail glasses, and serve as guests arrive.
Enjoy and let us know what you think by commenting below, rating our recipes, subscribing, following, and liking us on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube! Don’t forget to subscribe to get updates on new recipes and tips & tricks.
Santé!
Mich
Footnote: Remember to chill your martini glasses at least 15 minutes before serving.
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