Cardamom Pear Martini - an infused vodka recipe (2024)

by Jane Coupland 18 Comments

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Aromatic cardamom and smooth, juicy pear blend brilliantly with vodka in this smart Cardamom Pear Martini that fits any season.

Cardamom Pear Martini - an infused vodka recipe (1)

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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 co*cktail 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 3-5 days ahead of any planned wild co*cktail shaking sessions you might have lined up.

Cardamom Pear Martini - an infused vodka recipe (2)

Once the vodka is ready, this co*cktail is a breeze to make. It’s a simple combination of the cardamom vodka, pear juice and Poire William Liqueurshaken over ice and poured. So easy.

Cardamom Pear Martini - an infused vodka recipe (3)

I usedbottled 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 co*cktail.

Cardamom Pear Martini - an infused vodka recipe (4)

I think that simplicity is one of the best features of co*cktails. 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 – Idon’t like to be predictable on a Friday night even though Negroni often features.

Cardamom Pear Martini - an infused vodka recipe (5)

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 cheekyshowerof 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 (6)

Fancy a different tipple? Try these:

  • Hot Cross Bun Martini
  • Royal Hawaiian co*cktail with Maraschino

Cardamom Pear Martini - an infused vodka recipe (7)

Cardamom Pear Martini – an infused vodka recipe

Jane Coupland

Aromatic cardamom and smooth, juicy pear blend brilliantly with vodka in this smart Cardamom Pear Martini that fits any season.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Alcoholic Drink, co*cktail

Cuisine: Worldwide

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 co*cktail

Ingredients

For the Cardamom Pear Martini (per co*cktail)

  • 45 ml/ 1 ½ fl oz Cardamom vodka
  • 45 ml/ 1 ½ fl oz Pear juice
  • 22 ½ ml/ ¾ fl oz/ 4 ½ teaspoon 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 3-5 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 co*cktail 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

Cardamom is one of those spices that some people like more than others. If you like just a tiny hint of cardamom, try starting off with 20 pods rather than 40. And don’t forget, once infused, if you find the spice level in the vodka too punchy for your tastes, you can always dilute the flavour by adding more vodka to your infused vodka. Play around and find your ideal spice level.

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  1. Healthy World Cuisine

    Cardamom Pear Martini - an infused vodka recipe (12)
    Love cardamom and pears. Can’t wait to try this delicious martini. The other day we make a kaffir lime leaf infused vodka and that was quite nice.

    Reply

    • Jane Saunders

      oooh, that does sound nice. Hope you enjoy this one too. I adore home infusions. Must come up with a new one now…

      Reply

    • Jane Saunders

      Well I hope you get to try it out soon. Thanks Julie.

      Reply

  2. Lynn | The Road to Honey

    Such a beautiful co*cktail Jane. I typically go for pear based co*cktails. . .well that is if lychee is not available. I find it so refreshing in drinks. Also loving that cardamon infused co*cktail. I bet it gives a nice zip to co*cktails (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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  3. 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!

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  4. Julia @ HappyFoods Tube

    What a great co*cktail! Love the pear juice there – would have never thought of using it myself! 🙂

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  5. Revathi

    Cardamom is one of my favorite spices and love it in many dishes. A Cardamom vodka infused martini sounds fab 🙂

    Reply

    • Jane Saunders

      I hope you get to try this out then. Thanks Revathi.

      Reply

  6. Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry

    How delicious. I’m always on the look out for inspiring co*cktail recipes

    Reply

    • Jane Saunders

      Thanks Bintu – I like to add to the collection 🙂

      Reply

  7. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  8. Katrin

    This co*cktail is calling me! I absolutely adore cardamom. What a lovely combination – cardamom and pear.

    Reply

    • Jane Saunders

      Thanks Katrin.

      Reply

Cardamom Pear Martini - an infused vodka recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is cardamom vodka? ›

Tasting notes: cold-distilled black cardamom pods create a refreshing vodka with a hint of smoke. Perfect serve: 1 part vodka to 3 parts Indian tonic water, garnished with a fresh mint sprig or lime wedge. Explore more great co*cktail recipes using lime, cucumber or mint. It also makes a great Bloody Mary.

What kind of vodka do you use for a martini? ›

It is almost but not quite pouring gin and waving a bottle of open vermouth over the top of the glass. I exaggerate but only slightly. The best vodka for an espresso martini is often a premium or high-quality vodka known for its smooth and clean taste. Some popular choices include Grey Goose, Belvedere, or Ketel One.

What is the best vodka for a dirty martini? ›

Best Vodka for a Dirty Martini: Grey Goose Vodka

"The minerality of Grey Goose lends itself perfectly to a dirty martini, which I make using a high-quality brine, like Dirty Sue, which was created by a bartender and formulated specifically for use in co*cktails.”

What type of alcohol is in an espresso martini? ›

Espresso Martini is what you make for after dinner drinks, or when you need a pick-me-up but don't want to fall behind the pack on a night out with your mates! Dangerously drinkable with a good slog of liquor, this coffee co*cktail is made with espresso, vodka and Kahlua.

Why is cardamom so expensive? ›

Green cardamom seeds are the third most expensive spice in the world, after saffron and vanilla. The main reason is that it needs to be harvested by hand. It's a time-consuming procedure of handpicking and it is grown only in a few places throughout the world.

What is the closest flavor to cardamom? ›

The best replacements for ground cardamom are spices that have that same aroma and flavor, such as allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Should you chill vodka for martinis? ›

Combine the vodka and dry vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass.

What is the smoothest vodka? ›

Puschkin Vodka

This German gem is simply fantastic for the price, offering a flavour profile as classic as a Pushkin novel. Crafted with pure spring water and an ice filtration process, it's so smooth, even the bear on the bottle seems to be giving it a friendly wave rather than a ferocious roar.

Is Kirkland Vodka really GREY goose? ›

We can definitively put this myth to rest. This viral claim is completely false, and GREY GOOSE® Vodka does not produce nor privately label Kirkland vodka. While both vodkas may use water from France's Cognac region, the origin of the wheat in the Kirkland brand is undisclosed.

What is the best affordable vodka for a martini? ›

7 best vodkas to use in a Martini
  • Charbay Clear Vodka.
  • Chopin Bartender's Choice Vodka.
  • Cîroc Snap Frost Vodka.
  • Purity Organic Vodka Signature 34 Edition.
  • Tommyrotter Small Batch Vodka.
  • Verità Vodka Italiana.
  • Woody Creek Distillers Colorado 100% Potato Vodka.
Jul 17, 2023

Why is GREY goose so expensive? ›

According to Grey Goose, the wheat is grown in France and comes from prime sources. It stands to reason that the distiller pays more for its grain than cheaper products do. The glass and packaging are also made in France, which is going to come at a premium price to their competitors.

Is Tia Maria the same as Kahlua? ›

Similarly to Kahlua, Tia Maria is a coffee liqueur made from rum, but it is made in Jamaica and has subtle notes of vanilla which makes it perfect when added into a White Russian.

What can you substitute for Kahlua in espresso martinis? ›

Dark Rum: This helps replace the Kahlua in conventional espresso martinis. Sugar Free Simple Syrup: You have lots of syrup options, including Miss Mary's Sinless Syrups and ChocZero Vanilla Syrup. Both work well here.

Does Kahlua need to be refrigerated? ›

Should Kahlúa be refrigerated? No, but we recommend to store it in a cool dry place once opened. What percentage of alcohol is in Kahlúa Original?

What is the flavor of cardamom liquor? ›

Alushka is a type of liqueur that is flavoured with cardamom and citrus fruits and traditionally drunk neat as a digestif using a small liqueur glass.

What does cardamom flavor taste like? ›

Cardamom has a unique and distinctive flavor. It's challenging to describe but has peppery, piney, eucalyptus, and menthol-like notes, but the taste of cardamom is also floral with hints of citrus. This blend of sweet, peppery, pungent, and aromatic flavors actually makes it an incredibly versatile spice.

What is cardamom used to flavor? ›

Many Indian and Indian-inspired dishes call for cardamom, including curry dishes, Kheer (Indian rice pudding), and chai. Indian spice blends such as garam masala also feature cardamom. You'll also find cardamom adds warmth and depth to baked goods such as cookies, bread pudding, and even cheesecake.

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