Now that your holiday menu is planned, cookies are baked, party outfit is ready and your hair is done, it’s time to focus on the cocktails. This is one of my favorite parts of the season. No matter what else is happening, family will gather and we’ll enjoy the moment together—no cranky attitudes allowed.
Joie de Vivre Martini
To celebrate the season, I created the Joie de Vivre Martini. It’s a visually striking cocktail with a deep red hue, balanced by sweet and tart blackberry flavors and a nutty, bittersweet hint from Nocino liqueur. The result is festive, elegant and easy to make.
Notes and substitutions:
- If Nocino isn’t available locally, you can order it online. Nocino is a walnut-based liqueur with a bittersweet profile.
- If you prefer, substitute the Nocino with a few dashes of bitters for a similar depth of flavor.
- For a less sweet cocktail, omit the simple syrup or reduce the amount used.
Joie de Vivre Martini
Ingredients:
- 3 fresh blackberries
- 1 part vodka (Grey Goose or your preferred brand)
- 1/2 part simple syrup (see recipe below)
- 1/4 part crème de cassis
- 1/4 part Nocino
Directions:
Place the blackberries in a cocktail shaker and muddle gently to release their juices. Add the vodka, simple syrup, crème de cassis and Nocino. Fill the shaker with ice, shake vigorously until well chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a blackberry if desired.
Simple Syrup:
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
To make the simple syrup, combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves, then remove from heat and let cool. Store any unused syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.