Archives For martinis

cotton candy martinis.

June 9, 2011 — 1 Comment

When I started planning the menu for my “Childhood, Reinvented” dinner party, I had one thought and one thought only when brainstorming on specialty cocktails.

084.JPG

Cotton candy.

{I may or may not have planned my entire theme around this burning desire to serve cotton candy in cocktail form}

A cotton candy martini seemed brilliant enough. I looked at a few recipes online that combined different things in an effort to mimic the flavor of cotton candy, but I wasn’t really feeling it. And then, I heard there was such thing as cotton candy vodka.

COTTON.CANDY.VODKA. True story. And there’s also – wait for it – whipped cream vodka. I went to the website, and discovered that they also make cake-flavored vodka. This is kind of a big deal.

So, the recipe became super simple. A little cotton candy vodka, a little pink fruit juice for some color, and a hunk of cotton candy – which gives the drink that gorgeous two-tone effect.

Cheers – to cotton candy! And living forever young.

Cotton Candy Martinis

  • Cotton candy vodka
  • Pink-colored fruit juice {I used some strawberry-melon concoction that worked well}
  • Cotton candy

Pour desired amount of chilled cotton candy vodka into martini glasses. Top with pink-colored juice. Add a torn piece of cotton candy to each glass, and watch the two-toned magic begin.

Alternatively, you may use a martini shaker if you want to keep it traditional – just make sure to add the cotton candy after you’ve poured.

One year ago today…IMG_1299.JPG

Can you guess what happened?

If you’re as smart as I think you are, you’re right – 20something cupcakes was born!

I never could have imagined how much happiness this tiny blog would bring to my life. I am so appreciative of all of you who read this blog, whether it’s everyday or simply when you have a spare moment. When I receive messages from you telling me that I inspired you to make something delicious or try something new – and that you actually loved it! – I cannot even express to you how much that means to me.

That’s what this is all about for me. Inspiring others, and in turn inspiring myself.

I’ve grown as a cook, and I’m now attempting to grow as a photographer – which is a daunting project, to say the least. I welcome the challenge. My passion for food, writing, and where they intersect grows each day more and more. You may already know my dream is to one day host my own private cooking classes, but I’ve also recently discovered that I want to go to culinary school. The idea of writing a cookbook one day makes my heart race with excitement. I’ve finally come to that seemingly elusive place where I know what I want to do with my life. I’m not sure how I’ll get there just yet, but I sure am glad I know where I’m going.

So, let’s celebrate.

And while some people make cakes for this sort of thing, I thought a cocktail would be more appropriate. You know by now it’s my favorite way to celebrate – it is where we started, after all – and I can’t think of a more fitting cocktail than the French martini. This is probably my favorite martini (other than an extra-dirty, but that’s a totally different category); the Chambord adds just enough color to turn it the most beautiful shade of pink, and the flavors of pineapple and raspberry are incredible together. It’s girlie, yet sophisticated – and strong enough without being overpowering, the way some martinis are. Adding champagne at the end is optional, and while it may not be traditional, I think it makes the drink.

We can’t celebrate without champagne, can we?

Thank you for being a part of this journey. I truly couldn’t do it without you. Cheers, dolls – to a life worth living!

French Martini

  • 1 1/2 ounces vodka
  • 1 ounce pineapple juice
  • 1/2 ounce Chambord (raspberry liqueur)
  • Ice
  • Champagne

Add vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with champagne.

Makes one serving.