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!
PrintPink Starburst Martini
- 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