We love the taste of pistachios, with their mild nutty but slightly sweet flavor. We love them even more when the flavor infuses our favorite drink – the martini! We found some excellent pistachio martini recipes for you to try, and we also include some of our favorite tips for turning this classic cocktail into a pistachio lover’s dream.
7 Martinis with Loads of Pistachio Flavor
1. Pistachio Martini with Limoncello
by Garden Unity
This cocktail is a refreshing change from other dessert martinis that tend to lean heavily on the sweet side. In contrast, this one is refreshing with the flavor of lemon and fresh mint, and it’s perfect as an after-dinner cocktail or when you just want to chill with a cocktail after a long day.
Limoncello is combined with vodka, pistachio liqueur, and ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. You’re going to shake this vigorously until well combined and icy cold. The key to the presentation of this cocktail is to serve it in chilled martini glasses that are dressed in a rim of finely chopped pistachios and mint.
2. Pistachio Martini Recipe with Blue Curacao
by Hot Salty
In our opinion, this martini wins the award of the most interesting martini recipe. What makes it so interesting, you ask? Well, it doesn’t actually have anything pistachio flavored in it. Instead, the ingredients combine to create a slightly nutty flavor that’s very reminiscent of pistachio.
Amaretto and blue curacao can apparently create magic together, and Bailey’s Irish Cream joins the party to give this martini a creamy texture!
3. Creamy White Chocolate Pistachio Martini
by Jena Howard
Who doesn’t need a little white chocolate in their daily diet? This extra creamy martini with white chocolate is delicious enough for any dessert table! The key ingredients in this martini are pistachio liqueur, vodka, and white chocolate liqueur.
This is an absolutely delicious drink that’s made even better with a little chocolate syrup and a chopped nut-rimmed glass.
4. Pistachio Martini Recipe with Irish Cream
by Master Class
This is a simple cocktail that is full of sweet, delicious flavors and nuttiness. You only need three ingredients to make this easy drink – vanilla vodka, pistachio liqueur, and Irish cream.
To make this martini recipe, simply add all the ingredients, along with some ice, into a cocktail shaker and shake well for a few seconds. Strain into a nicely chilled martini glass, garnish with a rim of crushed pistachios, and enjoy that first sip!
5. Pistachio Martini with Amaretto
Pistachios and amaretto are playmates that get along wonderfully, and this martini recipe is the proof. Pistachio liqueurs and amaretto set the stage that’s complimented by white chocolate liqueur and vodka (we really like vanilla vodka in this recipe), Mix them all in a cocktail shaker with ice, garnish with a little chocolate sauce, and enjoy these tasty drinks with some friends.
6. Pistachio Espresso Martini
by Yes to Yolks
With this martini recipe, you can skip the dessert and sip on a nice after-dinner cocktail instead. Freshly brewed espresso, coffee liqueur, pistachio liqueur, and vodka are mixed together to grace your martini glass. Shake it enough to get it nice and foamy, and top it with a few espresso beans before drinking.
7. Pistachio Crème Martini
by Monin
If you’re in the mood for creamy, dreamy dessert-style drinks in martini glasses, we highly recommend this Pistachio Crème Martini by Monin.
This is super creamy and rich, but you don’t even need a blender – a cocktail shaker will do. Rum, pistachio syrup, triple sec, and a half and half combine to make one decadent drink. Topped with a little whipped cream and chocolate sauce.
Bonus Pistachio Drink Recipe
Pistachio White Chocolate Rum Popsicles with Tigers Milk
by Savory Spin
Boozy popsicles and boozy tigers milk? Sign us up! We know this isn’t a pistachio martini recipe, but we came across this decadent creation by Savory Spin and had to share!
The popsicles are made with ground pistachios, Malibu rum, and other goodness. Then the tiger’s milk is Malibu rum, Irish whiskey, coconut milk, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla. Seriously, this ranks high among the best “grown-up” desserts.
Pistachio Martini Recipe Tips
Getting That Right Flavor
There are several ways that you get to add the delicious flavor of pistachios to your cocktails. Pistachio liqueur is easy and adds a nice warm sweetness to your drinks. Alternatives include pistachio syrup, ground pistachios, and even pistachio ice cream if you’re in the mood for a frozen drink.
Garnishing Your Glass Rims
The perfect compliment to any pistachio martini recipe is a nice rim of crushed pistachios. Add a handful to a spice grinder or coffee mill until they’re almost powdery.
Alternatively, you can place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a mallet for a chunkier consistency. Most supermarkets sell crushed nuts, so you might even be able to find them pre-crushed.
To rim your glasses, take two shallow plates. One will have crushed pistachios, and the other will have a sticky liquid, like simple syrup, chocolate syrup, or even lime juice.
Dip the rim of a chilled glass into the liquid and then into the chopped nuts before pouring your drink. It might seem a little time-consuming and require a little extra prep time, but the extra touch is worth it.
What Goes with Pistachio Liqueur?
The taste goes well with so many flavors. You can add vodka, rum, amaretto, or even something like blue curacao to make a great martini. It’s fun to experiment with other bar mixers to see what flavors you can come up with. For a creamy cocktail, add heavy cream and shake it with some ice, making it more like dessert when served in nice-looking, classic cocktail glasses. Don’t forget to garnish with a rim of chopped nuts on each glass.
FAQs
What alcohol goes with pistachio?
Vodka, rum, amaretto, lemon liqueurs, and Irish cream are all great options when you’re looking for something to go with your pistachio liqueur or syrup.
Is there a pistachio liqueur?
There are several good pistachio liqueurs, most of which are Italian. Two of our favorites are Maplewood and Bottega.
How many calories are in a pistachio martini?
It depends on which ingredients are used, but a pistachio martini recipe might have anywhere from 150 to 300 calories.
Bottom Line
When you’re in the mood for something, a little different, pistachio martinis are a wonderful option. From smooth and creamy to notes of citrus, there’s a martini that does the flavor of pistachios your way. Check back frequently for more recipes and cocktail inspirations!
Best Pistachio Martini Recipes + 1 Bonus Cocktail
- Pistachio Martini with Limoncello
- Pistachio Martini Recipe with Blue Curacao
- Creamy White Chocolate Pistachio Martini
- Pistachio Martini Recipe with Irish Cream
- Pistachio Martini with Amaretto
- Pistachio Espresso Martini
- Pistachio Crème Martini