It’s cocktail time! Actually, it’s not really, because as I hit publish on this post, it’s probably only 6 or 7 in the morning. And although I really do like my cocktails, I am not about to start imbibing that early on in the day. Really, I would never do such a thing, no matter how badly my kids are driving me crazy. I might start as early as, say 4:55 pm, because really, that is as good as being 5 o’clock. But not a minute earlier. Okay, well, maybe a minute. Or two. But definitely never ever at 7 in the morning. I can, however, start writing about cocktails any time of night or day. And it will be cocktail time tonight, because it’s Friday and it’s been a long week for me. I am sure it’s been a long week for you too. Won’t you come join me for Happy Hour?
It would seem that my Rosemary Grapefruit Martini caught someone’s eye – and really, can you blame them? I was offered samples of a new premium vodka called Platinum 7X. It is apparently distilled 7 times and won a gold medal at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It was also rated as a Best Buy by The Beverage Testing Institute because of it affordable price. I didn’t even know there WAS a Beverage Testing Institute, quite frankly, but I wasn’t about to turn it down. I had to give some thought to what sort of drink I might make with it. In case you hadn’t noticed, I am rather partial to anything that comes in a martini glass, so I knew it would probably take that shape. I remembered a cocktail my sister-in-law made once that had lime and cardamom in it, and although hers was a highball and mixed with soda, I thought it would make an excellent flavour for a vodka martini as well.
The Results: I will be the first to admit that I don’t really know my vodkas. I don’t know what makes one better than another. But I can tell you that this cocktail had fantastic flavour and a wonderful smooth taste. I can only assume that a lesser vodka would have a sharper finish. The syrup added a lovely exotic sweetness without being overpowering. And lime and cardamom together is a really wonderful combination. I think cardamom pairs perfectly with any citrus, but particularly with the sourness of lime. This is a cocktail I will definitely be making again.
Lime Cardamom Martini
Cardamom Syrup
½ cup water
¼ cup granulated erythritol (I used Swerve)
OR
¼ cup sugar
¾ teaspoon cardamom seeds, crushed
Martini:
Juice of one lime
3 oz Platinum 7X Vodka
3 tablespoon cardamom syrup
For the cardamom syrup, combine water, erythritol or sugar and cardamom seeds in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve erythritol or sugar. Turn heat to low and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat, strain through a fine-mesh sieve and let cool. (If using erythritol, you will find it begins to crystallize as it cools. You will need to rewarm a bit to liquify when making the cocktail, but as you shake it with ice, this won’t make much of a difference).
For the martini, fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add lime juice, vodka and cardamom syrup. Shake well. Pour into two chilled martini glasses and garnish with lime twists.
Serves 2.
Tastefully Julie says
Omg, cardamom. I love this!
opinionatedalchem. says
Sorry to be the party pooper – but this isn't a martini! It is similar, if you would call a steak pie a beef wellington – this is just wrong.
A Martini is usually made with gin [vodka is controversy], and vermouth, and maybe some orange bitters. Thats it!
My second complain – the spirit industry blatantly bribe the blogger scene – and most people don't even notice. Sorry to take your hopes, but there is nothing such as premium vodka. Lets be precise: there is no product which is premium to other quality vodkas. As vodka is a neutral spirit, you can not make "good" vodkas better. Even though, if your vodka seems to be cheaper, than the other premiums and super premiums, it won't be better as a good standard vodka as Finlandia. And because I am on topic: why don't you use a proper spirit with character like gin?
Vodka is far too often used – without a reason.
You drink [lets call it "Near Cocktail" is a nice idea though – I would rather serve it on the rocks – and call it then a Cardamom Sour. Maybe lemons would also fit better as limes, they are usually a tad sweeter and less zesty – something what the whole cocktail would help…
Erin @ Dinners, Dish says
I love the combination of flavors in this! I am all about cocktail time (at 5pm)!
kita says
I am a fan of vodkas 😉 So I will happily taste test several different kinds if you need me to – even at 7 am (lol, wow that makes me sound horrible). The quality of the vodka really does help the drink.
healthyfoodie says
Wow, what an interesting combination of flavors! Sounds like a wonderful, intriguing cocktail!
Eliot says
Genius with the cardamom syrup!
Stephanie says
Love this one! It looks so refreshing! Love the lime/cardamom combo!
Karen says
Oooh….what a great combination of flavors. I love making different simple syrups, and cardamom sounds great. Sunday at 1:48 sounds like a good time for a martini, huh? 🙂
Angie's Recipes says
Don't drink cocktail often…this looks really great.