pistachio martini sitting on a table with pistachios

Pistachio Martini Recipe (Creamy Dessert Cocktail with Vanilla Vodka, Amaretto, and Irish Cream)

If you’re looking for a luxurious, dessert-style cocktail that feels elegant, creamy, and unforgettable, this Pistachio Martini is the perfect choice. With its smooth blend of vanilla vodka, amaretto, Irish cream, and blue curaçao, this cocktail delivers a rich, nutty flavor balanced with subtle sweetness and a beautiful pale pistachio-inspired hue. Finished with a simple syrup rim coated in crushed pistachios, every sip delivers a creamy texture paired with a delicate crunch that elevates this drink into a true showstopper. This pistachio martini recipe is perfect for holidays, dinner parties, date nights, or whenever you want a sophisticated dessert cocktail that looks as impressive as it tastes.

What makes this creamy pistachio martini cocktail truly special is the combination of flavors working together seamlessly. The vanilla vodka provides a smooth, slightly sweet foundation, while the amaretto enhances the drink with its signature almond notes that naturally complement pistachios. Irish cream adds richness and creaminess, creating a velvety texture that feels indulgent without being overwhelming. The addition of blue curaçao not only enhances the sweetness with subtle citrus undertones but also helps create a delicate green pistachio-inspired color when mixed with the cream liqueurs. The pistachio rim adds both flavor and texture, creating a complete sensory experience from the very first sip.

This easy pistachio martini recipe is also incredibly versatile. It works beautifully as a holiday cocktail, especially for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It’s also perfect as an after-dinner dessert cocktail, replacing traditional desserts with something lighter but equally satisfying. The creamy texture, nutty flavor, and elegant presentation make it a favorite among guests, and it’s guaranteed to become one of your most requested cocktail recipes.

Ingredients

For the Pistachio Martini

2 oz vanilla vodka
1 oz amaretto liqueur
1 oz Irish cream liqueur
½ oz blue curaçao
Ice

For the Pistachio Rim

1 oz simple syrup
1/4 cup crushed pistachios (finely chopped)

Ingredient Breakdown and Why Each One Matters

Vanilla Vodka
Vanilla vodka provides a smooth, sweet base that enhances the dessert-like flavor of this cocktail. It adds warmth and depth while complementing the nutty pistachio flavor.

Amaretto Liqueur
Amaretto brings rich almond flavor, which naturally pairs beautifully with pistachios. It adds sweetness and gives the cocktail its signature nutty profile.

Irish Cream Liqueur
Irish cream delivers creamy texture and velvety richness, making the martini smooth, indulgent, and dessert-worthy.

Blue Curaçao
Blue curaçao adds subtle citrus sweetness and helps create the delicate pistachio-colored appearance when blended with the creamy ingredients.

Simple Syrup
Simple syrup enhances sweetness and balances the alcohol, especially when used on the rim to help crushed pistachios adhere.

Crushed Pistachios
Crushed pistachios provide texture, visual appeal, and reinforce the nutty pistachio flavor with every sip.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pistachio Rim

Pour simple syrup onto a small plate.
On a separate plate, spread crushed pistachios evenly.

Dip the rim of a martini glass into the simple syrup, then dip into the crushed pistachios, rotating gently until fully coated.

Set aside.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to Shaker

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

Add:

Vanilla vodka
Amaretto
Irish cream
Blue curaçao
Simple syrup

Step 3: Shake Until Cold and Creamy

Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the cocktail is well chilled and smooth.

This helps create the creamy, velvety texture.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

Strain into the prepared pistachio-rimmed martini glass.

Serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Pistachio Martini

Creamy, smooth dessert cocktail
Beautiful pistachio-inspired color
Elegant and perfect for entertaining
Easy to make in under 5 minutes
Unique flavor that stands out from traditional martinis
Perfect holiday, winter, or special occasion cocktail

Pro Tips for the Best Pistachio Martini

Use finely crushed pistachios for a clean rim presentation
Chill your martini glass beforehand for best results
Shake vigorously to create a creamy, frothy texture
Use high-quality Irish cream for maximum richness
Adjust sweetness with more or less simple syrup

Perfect Occasions for Serving

This creamy pistachio martini cocktail recipe is perfect for:

Holiday parties
Christmas cocktails
New Year’s Eve celebrations
Dessert cocktails
Date nights
Girls’ night gatherings
Elegant dinner parties

This delicious and decadent Pistachio Martini is one for the books! The different variety of spirits all in one drink combined to make the perfect concoction! I always love an easy martini recipe that will make yourself along with your guests think that you are a true mixologist professional! The combination of vanilla vodka, almond liqueur, irish cream, blue curacao and more just makes this dessert cocktail hit the spot!

Most will argue that this is not the way to make a Pistachio Martini. However, this is the ORIGINAL way and most likely the way it will be made in a restaurant or bar that you go to. They do sell a Pistachio Liqueur that most people will use or can use if they have it available to them. This will take out all your other ingredients aside from the vodka. However, my personal opinion – I do not love the pistachio liqueur and truly believe this is a tastier version of the dessert martini.

someone making a dessert cocktail on a table with pistachios

What You Will Need For A Pistachio Martini

VANILLA VODKA

You can use any good quality brand for your vanilla vodka. I like to use Stoli Vanilla as it is not too expensive and still a great quality vodka.

AMARETTO

This almond liqueur is going to make your martini! I love to us Disaronno for my Amaretto in any dessert cocktails, but if you want something a little cheaper then that is fine as well!

BAILEYS

Irish cream is going to help make this cocktail creamy and smooth. It will help cut any of the harsh alcohol taste that may be added into this. I love to go with the ultimate brand, Baileys, for this easy martini recipe.

BLUE CURACAO

This liqueur has a slight orangey flavor to it, with some slight hints of bitterness. This will help turn your pistachio martini the beautiful green color it needs!

SIMPLE SYRUP OR MAPLE SYRUP

This will just soley be to coat the rim of your martini glass in order to get the crushed pistachios to stick to the rim

CRUSHED PISTACHIOS

These will be for the garnish around your martini glass

One of the best things about a creamy dessert cocktail is the froth that comes along with it. In order to get this frothy texture on the top of your martini, you will need a good cocktail shaker as well as a lot of ice! Make sure to always fill your shaker with enough ice and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. This will help froth the martini up enough to give you the perfect texture when pouring into your glass!