Kiwi Martini with Vodka

If you're looking for a cocktail that's as fun to look at as it is to drink, this kiwi martini is about to be your new go-to. It's bright, refreshing, sweet with just the right amount of tart, and comes together in minutes with a handful of simple ingredients. That gorgeous natural green color? No food dye needed. Just good, ripe kiwi doing its thing.

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You’ll love this kiwi martini

It’s perfect for summer. Whether you're hosting a summer party, putting together a girls' night cocktail spread, or just want something a little different on a Tuesday evening, this kiwi vodka martini delivers every single time.

It’s so bright and delicious. Kiwi has this uniquely tropical flavor that's part sweet, part tart, and a little floral. When you mix it with vodka and a splash of triple sec, it becomes something truly special.

It’s easy to make. A few simple ingredients, a cocktail shaker, and a couple of minutes is all it takes. No fancy equipment, no advanced bartending skills required.

It makes a stunning presentation. That natural, vibrant green color from fresh kiwi juice is a total showstopper. This is one of those cocktails that gets people asking "wait, what IS that?" before they've even tasted it.

Ingredients

Plain Vodka. A good quality plain vodka is the base of this kiwi martini recipe. You want something clean and neutral so the fresh kiwi flavor stays front and center. Any vodka you enjoy sipping will work great here.

Triple Sec. Triple sec is an orange-flavored liqueur that adds a subtle citrus sweetness to the cocktail without overpowering it. It helps balance the tartness of the kiwi juice beautifully. Cointreau is a great upgrade if you have it on hand.

Kiwi Juice. This is the star of the show. Fresh kiwi juice gives this martini its signature green color and that sweet, tangy tropical flavor you can't get from a bottle. To make kiwi juice, peel your kiwis, blend or muddle them, and strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds and pulp. It takes about 2 minutes and is completely worth it.

Simple Syrup. Simple syrup rounds out the drink and keeps it from leaning too tart. Kiwis vary in sweetness depending on how ripe they are, so feel free to adjust the amount to your taste. Riper kiwis = less syrup needed.

TIP: Use ripe but firm kiwis for the best juice. They should give slightly when pressed but shouldn't feel mushy. Overripe kiwis can taste fermented, while underripe ones are too sour.

How to make a kiwi martini

1. Chill your glass. Pop your martini glass or coupe in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before you start. A cold glass keeps your cocktail perfectly chilled all the way to the last sip.
2. Prep your kiwi juice. Peel and blend (or muddle) your kiwis, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp. You want smooth, bright green juice.
3. Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
4. Add the vodka, triple sec, kiwi juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Seal it up and shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds. A hard shake ensures your martini is ice cold and properly diluted.
5. Strain into your chilled martini glass. For the smoothest texture, double-strain through a fine-mesh strainer over the cocktail strainer. This removes any remaining kiwi pulp or seeds.
6. Garnish and enjoy!

Substitutions and variations

Gin. If you're a gin fan, swapping vodka for a light, floral gin like Hendrick's is a fantastic variation. The botanicals in gin complement the tropical kiwi flavor really nicely and add a little extra complexity to the drink.

Elderflower Liqueur. Swap the triple sec for elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain) for a more floral, delicate kiwi martini. Elderflower and kiwi are a surprisingly magical pairing and make the drink feel a little more elevated.

Frozen Kiwi Martini. Blend all the ingredients with ice for a frozen kiwi martini that's basically a slushy cocktail dream. Add a touch more simple syrup since blending with ice dilutes the sweetness a bit.

Garnish ideas

• Kiwi Slice
• Sugar Rim
• Fresh Mint Sprig

How to make a big batch of this kiwi martini

This kiwi martini recipe is a dream for batch cocktail situations because there are no carbonated ingredients to worry about. Make a big pitcher ahead of time and shake individual servings to order, or just pour over ice for a more casual crowd-friendly setup.

For 8 to 10 servings, combine in a large pitcher:

• 2 cups plain vodka
• 1 cup triple sec
• 2 cups fresh kiwi juice (about 8 to 10 kiwis)
• ½ cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)

Stir well, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, shake each portion over ice before straining into a chilled martini glass, or pour directly over ice into a rocks glass for a more laid-back presentation. Garnish with a kiwi slice and serve!

FAQs

What alcohol goes well with kiwi juice?

Kiwi juice pairs really well with a variety of spirits! I think vodka or tequila are your best bets, but you really can’t go wrong with gin or rum either.

What does a kiwi martini taste like?

A kiwi martini tastes bright, tropical, and refreshing with a balance of sweet and tart. The kiwi juice brings a unique flavor that's somewhere between strawberry, melon, and citrus, with a slightly floral note.

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Want more summer martini recipes?

• Lychee Martini
• Aperol Martini