Pink Martini

A Pink Martini is a spirit-forward cocktail made with vodka, dry vermouth, a few dashes of orange bitters and a couple of teaspoons of grenadine for its signature pink hue. Shaken with ice and served in a chilled martini glass, it’s an elegant and subtly sweet twist on a classic Vodka Martini.

Elegant, spirit-forward and subtly sweet. Herbal notes from the dry vermouth, a citrus edge from the orange bitters and a gentle tart sweetness from the grenadine, all anchored by the clean, smooth character of Absolut Vodka. It’s a Martini first and foremost, with just enough complexity to keep things interesting and make it its own thing.

The origins of the Pink Martini are not well documented, it’s widely considered a modern variation of the classic Vodka Martini, which dates back to the 1930s.

It’s also possible that the Pink Martini draws inspiration from a much older drink – Pink Gin, a mid-19th century gin cocktail made with Plymouth gin and a dash of aromatic bitters.

The connection is more than cosmetic; both drinks share that characteristic pink hue and the same instinct to keep things spirit-forward while bitters add depth.

A delicate drink that rewards a little extra attention. Here’s how to make the perfect Pink Martini.

• Chill your glassware
  Place your martini glass in the freezer before serving. A cold glass keeps the drink colder for longer and lets the crisp character of the vodka and vermouth come through as intended.
• Chill your vodka
  Chilling your vodka in the freezer for 12-24 hours thickens its consistency slightly, resulting in a smoother, silkier texture in the glass. A small step that makes a noticeable difference.
• Make your own grenadine
  Homemade grenadine – made from fresh pomegranate juice and sugar – gives a natural, tart sweetness and a more vibrant color than anything from a bottle.

  Store-bought grenadine often contains preservatives and artificial flavors, making it overly sweet and less nuanced.

  Watch Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, show you how to make grenadine at home.

• Double strain
  After shaking, double strain using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer for a smooth, clear pour – no ice shards, no sediment. Here’s how to double strain and why it matters.

The Pink Martini is a drink that does most of the work itself. Here’s how to finish it properly.

• Glassware
  Serve a Pink Martini in a pre-chilled martini glass for a truly elegant drinking experience. A coupe glass works well too if that’s what you have to hand.
• Garnish
  The pink hue is the real garnish here – the drink doesn’t need much else. That said, a lemon twist is always a classic choice for a martini, and a twist of orange zest works particularly well alongside the orange bitters.