Clementine Martini A.K.A 3 2 1 It’s Gone
Clementine Martini Twist
This Clementine Martini is a bright, easy cocktail with a fresh citrus character — simple to make and delightfully moreish. It’s a light twist on a classic martini that’s perfect for parties or a cozy evening in.
Traditionally, a martini combines gin and vermouth and is finished with an olive or a lemon twist. Over time the martini has evolved into many popular variations. This version swaps the botanical bite for sweet clementine and orange liqueur for a softer, fruit-forward sip.
If you love sweet, juicy clementines, you’ll enjoy how their aromatic juice complements vodka and triple sec to create a clean, refreshing cocktail.
Preparation of your Clementine Martini
I like to combine the ingredients ahead of time and chill them in a jar in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, pour into a shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.
Making it ahead saves time when guests arrive and helps keep the alcohol proportioned and balanced. Shake over ice for a bright, cold drink that’s delicious and easy to enjoy.
Other Martini Twists
Dirty: A splash of olive brine adds savoury depth to the drink.
Gibson: Made with gin or vodka, garnished with a pickled pearl onion instead of the usual twist or olive.
Vesper: The James Bond variation, typically a mix of gin, vodka and Kina Lillet (or a similar fortified wine) for a stronger profile.
These variations show how versatile the martini format is — feel free to experiment and find the balance you like best. Clementine martinis are especially good at festive times like Christmas, when citrus is in season.
So what is a Clementine?
Clementines are a small type of mandarin orange, known for their sweet, seedless flesh and smooth, glossy red-orange skins. They’re easy to peel — easier than most tangerines but not quite as effortless as satsumas — and their bright juice works beautifully in cocktails.
Other Tasty Morsels
If you enjoy clementine flavours in desserts as well, try a clementine upside-down pudding for an individual pudding with a sticky, citrusy syrup — it’s a lovely companion for a winter dinner party.
The syrup on that pudding is dreamy and complements clementine cocktails perfectly.
Also if you love Martinis
Another popular twist is the Vodka Espresso Martini — a rich, caffeinated choice for after-dinner. Just be mindful of the caffeine if you plan to drink it late in the evening.
Big love
Cx
Clementine Martini
5 minutes
5 minutes
1
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of clementine juice
- 2 tablespoons vodka
- 1 tablespoon triple sec / Cointreau / orange liqueur
- Juice from 1 lime
Instructions
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Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
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Add clementine juice, vodka, triple sec and lime juice. Shake vigorously until well chilled.
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Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a thin clementine or lime twist if desired. Serve immediately.