Aromatic cardamom and smooth, juicy pear blend brilliantly with vodka in this smart Cardamom Pear Martini that fits any season.
I keep thinking it’s already Easter. The kids have been home from school for nearly a week. The weather has been more than reasonable. And I have managed to cover 2 Easter themed recipes over the last few weeks. How then, is there is still over a week to go before the long weekend?
In my time lag I planned a cocktail for you to enjoy over the Easter weekend. It’s probably just as well I’ve been a little confused over dates. I had forgotten that the vodka for this Cardamom Pear Martini needs to infuse with the spice for 5-7 days ahead of any planned wild cocktail shaking sessions you might have lined up.
Once the vodka is ready, this cocktail is a breeze to make. It’s a simple combination of the cardamom vodka, pear juice and Poire William Liqueur shaken over ice and poured. So easy.
I used bottled pear juice but if you have a juice extractor then I imagine using freshly squeezed pear juice would add an extra element of wow to this already charming cocktail.
I think that simplicity is one of the best features of cocktails. Rarely can they be messed up by the home bartender (me). Oh and the almost endless flavour combinations on offer is a big draw too – I don’t like to be predictable on a Friday night even though Negroni often features.
To round things off, I’ve added a twist of lemon zest. It really does freshen things up, awakening the cardamom and pear notes beautifully with that cheeky shower of citrus oil.
Garnished with a slinky slice of fresh pear and a spiral of lemon zest, this Cardamom Pear Martini look as special as it tastes.
Cardamom Pear Martini – an infused vodka recipe
Ingredients
For the Cardamom Infused Vodka
- 240 ml/ 1 cup Vodka
- 40 Green cardamom pods (see notes)
For the Cardamom Pear Martini (per cocktail)
- 45 ml/ 1 1/2 fl oz Cardamom vodka
- 45 ml/ 1 1/2 fl oz Pear juice
- 22 1/2 ml/ 3/4 fl oz/ 4 1/2 tsp Poire William Liqueur
- Strip lemon zest
Garnish
- 1 Thin slice fresh pear
- 1 Spiral lemon zest
Instructions
Make the Cardamom Infused Vodka
- Bash each cardamom pod gently with the end of a rolling pin (or in a pestle and mortar) to split open
- Tip into a wide necked, screwcap jar
- Pour in the vodka and seal
- Leave to infuse for 5 days then strain through a fine sieve to remove the cardamom
- Store in a screwcap bottle for up to 6 months
Make the Cardamom Pear Martini
- Put all liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker with 3-4 ice cubes
- Shake for 30 seconds then strain into a martini glass
- Twist the strip of lemon zest over the glass between your fingers to release the lemon oil (don't forego this step - it's very important)
- Garnish with the sliced pear and lemon spiral
Notes
Fancy a different tipple? Try these:
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Katrin
This cocktail is calling me! I absolutely adore cardamom. What a lovely combination – cardamom and pear.
Jane Saunders
Thanks Katrin.
Shashi at Savory Spin
Oh my – I get confused about the dates too – I blame it on the fact that the year is going by at warp speed! BTW – That cardamom infused vodka on its own sounds marvelous – this drink as a whole is mmm mmm mmm good! Stunning pictures too.
Jane Saunders
2017 has definitely been lightening quick so far. Thanks so much Shashi – and yes, I think I’ll be finding other uses for that vodka.
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry
How delicious. I’m always on the look out for inspiring cocktail recipes
Jane Saunders
Thanks Bintu – I like to add to the collection 🙂
Revathi
Cardamom is one of my favorite spices and love it in many dishes. A Cardamom vodka infused martini sounds fab 🙂
Jane Saunders
I hope you get to try this out then. Thanks Revathi.
Julia @ HappyFoods Tube
What a great cocktail! Love the pear juice there – would have never thought of using it myself! 🙂
Jane Saunders
Thanks Julia. Pear juice is just about available in main supermarkets now but it’s only recently it’s appeared – poor ‘ol pear.
Michelle - Giraffes Can Bake
I sooooo love this idea – especially infusing vodka with cardamom , genius! Absolutely have to try this!
I’ve been the opposite, Easter has snuck up on me this year and only managed to get one recipe done in time!
Jane Saunders
I can’t believe how quickly the year is going. It’s been a hectic first few months, which is perhaps why I’m into these infusions at the moment, forcing time to take hold and slow me down. I hope you managed to get the infusion going in time to try it out over Easter.
Lynn | The Road to Honey
Such a beautiful cocktail Jane. I typically go for pear based cocktails. . .well that is if lychee is not available. I find it so refreshing in drinks. Also loving that cardamon infused cocktail. I bet it gives a nice zip to cocktails (ooooh! I bet it would taste nice with lychee).
As for Easter!!! Nooooooo! It can’t be Easter already.
P.S. I luvs your little vodka bottle.
Jane Saunders
Pear juice is relatively new to the supermarket over here, but I hope it sticks around. I know a lovely lychee and passionfruit number but now I’m wondering if lychee and pear would work out well too – should we experiment? I’m not sure what the little bottle had in it to begin with, my Mum saved it for me after Christmas, but it’s perfect size for my little vodka infusions.
Julie
Now this is a martini I’d like to indulge in! I love pear and flavored with cardamom sounds amazing!
Jane Saunders
Well I hope you get to try it out soon. Thanks Julie.