Pink Starburst Martini

The Pink Starburst Martini is a vibrant, fun, and utterly delicious cocktail that captures the nostalgic flavor of the beloved candy. This cocktail is the perfect choice for those who love sweet, fruity drinks with a touch of sophistication. With its striking pink hue and a delightful mix of creamy and tangy flavors, the Pink Starburst Martini is ideal for girls’ nights, bachelorette parties, or any occasion where you want to add a playful twist to your drink menu.

Inspired by the iconic pink Starburst candy, this martini delivers a flavor profile that’s fruity, slightly tart, and irresistibly sweet. While it’s easy to make, its bold flavor and eye-catching presentation make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the detailed steps to create this sweet masterpiece.

Ingredients

To craft a perfect Pink Starburst Martini, gather the following ingredients:

  • Vodka: 2 ounces (plain or vanilla vodka works best).
  • Watermelon Pucker Liqueur: 1 ounce, for that candy-like tang and bright pink color.
  • Sweet and Sour Mix: 1 ounce, for a tangy balance to the sweetness.
  • Cranberry Juice: 1 ounce, to enhance the fruity flavor and add depth to the pink hue.
  • Whipped Cream Vodka: 1 ounce, for a creamy, dessert-like element.
  • Ice: Enough to fill your shaker.
  • Pink Sugar or Crushed Candy: For rimming the glass (optional).
  • Pink Starburst Candy: 1-2 pieces, for garnish or infusing the drink.

Preparation

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the Pink Starburst Martini:

Step 1: Chill the Glass

  • Place a martini glass in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to ensure it’s cold when serving.

Step 2: Prepare the Rim (Optional)

  • For an extra decorative touch, coat the rim of the glass with pink sugar or crushed candy.
  • To adhere the sugar, run a slice of lemon or lime around the rim, then dip the glass into the sugar or candy mixture.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in a Shaker

  • Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
  • Pour in 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of watermelon pucker liqueur, 1 ounce of whipped cream vodka, 1 ounce of sweet and sour mix, and 1 ounce of cranberry juice.

Step 4: Shake Vigorously

  • Secure the shaker lid and shake the mixture for 15–20 seconds. The goal is to thoroughly chill the ingredients and create a smooth blend of flavors.

Step 5: Strain and Pour

  • Remove the martini glass from the freezer.
  • Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass, being careful not to disrupt the sugar or candy rim.

Step 6: Garnish

  • Place a pink Starburst candy on the rim of the glass, skewer it on a decorative cocktail pick, or drop it into the drink for a playful garnish.

Variation

The Pink Starburst Martini is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences:

  • Stronger Martini: Omit the whipped cream vodka and increase the plain vodka for a more traditional martini flavor.
  • Candy-Infused Vodka: Create a pink Starburst vodka by soaking pink Starburst candies in vodka for 24 hours. Use this in place of regular vodka for an intensified flavor.
  • Mocktail Version: Replace the vodka with pink lemonade and whipped cream soda for a non-alcoholic option.
  • Sour Twist: Add a splash of lime juice for a tangier version.
  • Tropical Pink Martini: Substitute cranberry juice with pineapple juice for a tropical variation.

Cooking Note

  • Use high-quality spirits for a smoother drink. Vanilla vodka adds a richer flavor, while whipped cream vodka enhances the sweetness.
  • Adjust the sweetness by increasing or reducing the cranberry juice or sweet and sour mix.
  • For a more vibrant pink color, add a drop of pink food coloring.

Serving Suggestions

The Pink Starburst Martini is a showstopper at any gathering. Serve it as a welcome drink at parties, bridal showers, or summer barbecues. Pair it with sweet treats like pink macarons, strawberry shortcake, or vanilla cupcakes for a cohesive theme. Alternatively, offer it alongside savory appetizers like bruschetta, cheese platters, or bacon-wrapped dates to balance the sweetness.

For a glamorous presentation, serve the martini in coupe glasses with edible glitter or floral garnishes for an Instagram-worthy finish.

Tips

  • Chill all ingredients before mixing for the best results.
  • If you don’t have watermelon pucker liqueur, substitute with strawberry liqueur for a similar flavor.
  • Use Starburst candies creatively—freeze them into ice cubes or crush them to create a rim garnish.
  • Experiment with proportions to suit your desired sweetness level.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

0 minutes

Total Time

10 minutes

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: ~250 per serving
  • Protein: ~1 gram
  • Sodium: ~30 milligrams

FAQs

1. Can I make this drink in advance?
Yes! Mix the liquid ingredients in a pitcher and refrigerate. Shake with ice and strain before serving to maintain freshness.

2. How do I infuse vodka with Starburst candy?
Unwrap 8–10 pink Starburst candies and place them in a jar. Pour 1 cup of vodka over the candies, seal the jar, and let it sit for 24 hours. Shake occasionally until the candies dissolve. Strain out any solids before use.

3. Can I use other Starburst flavors?
Absolutely! Experiment with other Starburst colors to create a rainbow of martini flavors, such as yellow (lemon), orange (orange), or red (cherry).

4. Is there a non-alcoholic version?
Yes! Replace the vodka with sparkling water or soda, and use pink lemonade instead of liqueurs.

5. What is watermelon pucker liqueur?
Watermelon pucker is a sweet and tangy watermelon-flavored liqueur, often used in cocktails for its candy-like taste and vibrant color.

Conclusion

The Pink Starburst Martini is a cocktail that’s as delightful to look at as it is to drink. With its candy-inspired flavor, bold pink color, and creamy, fruity finish, it’s a drink that brings a touch of nostalgia to your glass. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a fun, flavorful cocktail, this martini is a guaranteed hit. Customizable, easy to make, and endlessly charming, the Pink Starburst Martini is sure to become a favorite. Cheers!

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Pink Starburst Martini


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

Ingredients

To craft a perfect Pink Starburst Martini, gather the following ingredients:

  • Vodka: 2 ounces (plain or vanilla vodka works best).
  • Watermelon Pucker Liqueur: 1 ounce, for that candy-like tang and bright pink color.
  • Sweet and Sour Mix: 1 ounce, for a tangy balance to the sweetness.
  • Cranberry Juice: 1 ounce, to enhance the fruity flavor and add depth to the pink hue.
  • Whipped Cream Vodka: 1 ounce, for a creamy, dessert-like element.
  • Ice: Enough to fill your shaker.
  • Pink Sugar or Crushed Candy: For rimming the glass (optional).
  • Pink Starburst Candy: 1-2 pieces, for garnish or infusing the drink.

Instructions

Preparation

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the Pink Starburst Martini:

Step 1: Chill the Glass

  • Place a martini glass in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to ensure it’s cold when serving.

Step 2: Prepare the Rim (Optional)

  • For an extra decorative touch, coat the rim of the glass with pink sugar or crushed candy.
  • To adhere the sugar, run a slice of lemon or lime around the rim, then dip the glass into the sugar or candy mixture.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in a Shaker

  • Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
  • Pour in 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of watermelon pucker liqueur, 1 ounce of whipped cream vodka, 1 ounce of sweet and sour mix, and 1 ounce of cranberry juice.

Step 4: Shake Vigorously

  • Secure the shaker lid and shake the mixture for 15–20 seconds. The goal is to thoroughly chill the ingredients and create a smooth blend of flavors.

Step 5: Strain and Pour

  • Remove the martini glass from the freezer.
  • Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass, being careful not to disrupt the sugar or candy rim.

Step 6: Garnish

  • Place a pink Starburst candy on the rim of the glass, skewer it on a decorative cocktail pick, or drop it into the drink for a playful garnish.

Variation

The Pink Starburst Martini is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences:

  • Stronger Martini: Omit the whipped cream vodka and increase the plain vodka for a more traditional martini flavor.
  • Candy-Infused Vodka: Create a pink Starburst vodka by soaking pink Starburst candies in vodka for 24 hours. Use this in place of regular vodka for an intensified flavor.
  • Mocktail Version: Replace the vodka with pink lemonade and whipped cream soda for a non-alcoholic option.
  • Sour Twist: Add a splash of lime juice for a tangier version.
  • Tropical Pink Martini: Substitute cranberry juice with pineapple juice for a tropical variation.

Notes

  • Use high-quality spirits for a smoother drink. Vanilla vodka adds a richer flavor, while whipped cream vodka enhances the sweetness.
  • Adjust the sweetness by increasing or reducing the cranberry juice or sweet and sour mix.
  • For a more vibrant pink color, add a drop of pink food coloring.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 250 per serving
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Protein: 1g