Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Water
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) Shelled Pistachios (Unsalted, raw or lightly toasted)
  • 1 small pinch of Salt
  • 2 oz (60 ml) Quality Vodka (or Gin)
  • 1 oz (30 ml) Cooled Pistachio Simple Syrup
  • 1 oz (30 ml) Cream Liqueur (e.g., Baileys) OR Half-and-Half
  • 1/2 oz (15 ml) Amaretto Liqueur (Optional)
  • Generous amount of Ice
  • Cracked Pistachios (for garnish)
  • Lemon Peel Twist (for garnish)
  • OPTIONAL: 1-2 drops Green Food Colouring

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, pistachios, and salt to begin the syrup.
  2. Simmer and Dissolve: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not boil vigorously.
  3. Steep: Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover, and allow the mixture to steep for 20 minutes to infuse the pistachio flavor.
  4. Strain and Chill: Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into an airtight container, pressing lightly on the solids. Discard the solids. Place the syrup in the refrigerator to cool completely (at least 30 minutes). Never shake warm syrup into a cocktail.
  5. Chill Glassware: Place the martini or coupe glasses in the freezer to chill while preparing the cocktail.
  6. Prepare Garnish: If desired, prepare a crushed pistachio rim by lightly wetting the rim with a lemon wedge and dipping carefully into the crushed nuts. Set aside.
  7. Measure: Add all liquid ingredients (Vodka, cooled Pistachio Syrup, Cream Liqueur/Half-and-Half, and Amaretto) into the cocktail shaker. If using food colouring, add 1-2 drops now.
  8. Add Ice: Fill the shaker 3/4 full with fresh, good-quality ice.
  9. Shake Hard: Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to achieve necessary dilution, chilling, and the desired velvety, frothy texture.
  10. Double Strain: Retrieve the chilled glass. Double-strain the mixture (using a Hawthorne strainer plus a fine-mesh sieve) into the glass to ensure a perfectly smooth cocktail.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Express the oils from the lemon peel over the drink by twisting it sharply, then serve immediately.