I think it's almost universal that people love rainbows. They've long been associated with hope, diversity, and inclusivity. Rainbows are natural phenomena that occur when light passes through water droplets in the air, creating a spectrum of colors.
The variety in colors coincides with variety in people, which is probably why the rainbow has been adopted by the LGBTQ+ community, as an expression of the diversity, individuality, and worth of every member.
And since June is Pride month, I thought a rainbow cocktail was called for. A rainbow martini, to be exact. Layers of beautiful colors to celebrate all the beautiful people in this diverse world of ours.
Why You Will Love this Rainbow Martini
This is more than just a drink; it's a work of art. Its vibrant hues, like a glorious rainbow, create a sense of wonder and anticipation.
As you take your first sip, you'll be greeted with a burst of fruity flavors that dance on your palate, leaving you refreshed and delighted.
This would be great for a party, but also perfect if you just want to add a little whimsy to your day.
Ingredients Needed
How to Make a Rainbow Martini
This cocktail is all about the layers, and the layers are accomplished by slowly pouring with a steady hand. So, probably better for the beginning of the party, if you know what I mean. LOL
I also recommend that you chill all the ingredients, if possible. If you can't, like your fridge is too full, or you didn't plan that far ahead, then use ice when shaking per below.
The first layer is grenadine. Just pour it straight into a martini glass. Easy peasy, right?
The second layer is a mix of peach schnapps and pineapple juice. Usually I'd use a cocktail shaker for this but since the quantities are so small, I've found just using a jelly jar is just as effective. Plus its easier to have 2 jars, one for each of the colors, without worrying about rinsing them out in between.
If you need to add ice to chill the liquid, be sure to remove the ice before pouring into the glass.
To layer the pineapple-peach liquid in the glass, pour it very slowly over a spoon. Some say to use the back of a spoon, this time I used the "front" and it worked just as well, so your choice there. Rest the tip of the spoon against the inside edge of the glass, just above the red layer, while pouring.
The most important thing is that you pour SLOWLY, to allow the liquid to just lay on top of the grenadine rather than mixing in.
Now, the third (and last) layer. Mix blue curacao with vodka, then repeat the pouring technique above to add this layer to the glass.
What you will see are layers of bright colors: red, a little orange where the red meets yellow, then yellow followed by blue with a little green at the yellow-blue intersection.
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The only thing left to do is garnish. Technically optional, but it does add another element of fun. I like to use oranges, either a peel or slice, and sometimes a maraschino cherry.
Feel free to experiment to make your own!
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is already a feast for the eyes and taste buds, but you can also customize it if you'd like. Here are a few suggestions:
Flavorful fruit infusions: Experiment with different fruit juices or syrups to create unique flavors. Try mango, strawberry, or passion fruit for an exotic twist. Mix these with the appropriately-colored layer, of course.
Lower alcohol: If you run out of vodka or just want less alcohol in your glass, you can mix the blue curacao with water instead of vodka. You could probably also eliminate the peach schnapps and just use straight pineapple juice for the yellow layer, but I haven't tried this. I do think I would miss that peach flavor though.
Other tastes: Try coconut rum in place of the peach schnapps for more of a tropical vibe. Or try some flavored vodka in the blue layer. Something with citrus or fruit flavor might be nice. 😀
Another way to show your Pride!
I love making fruit pizza, so I decided to make one to resemble the Pride flag. It's a fun way to celebrate!
I hope you give this delicious cocktail a try! Cheers!
📖 Recipe
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Rainbow Martini
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Grenadine
- ½ ounce Peach Schnapps
- 1½ ounces Pineapple Juice
- 1 ounce Vodka
- ½ ounce Blue Curacao
- Garnish Orange slice or cherry
Instructions
- If possible, pre-chill all liquids. If not possible, use ice to mix with each layer. Remove ice before pouring into glass.
- Pour grenadine into the martini glass.1 ounce Grenadine
- In a small jar or cocktail shaker, add the pineapple juice and peach schnapps. Mix together by shaking or swirling.½ ounce Peach Schnapps, 1½ ounces Pineapple Juice
- Place a spoon on the inside edge of the glass and slowly pour the mixed juice over the spoon. The yellow layer should be mostly separate from the red, with a little orange where the colors meet.
- In a small jar or cocktail shaker, add the vodka and blue curacao. Mix together, then layer on top of the yellow layer using the same technique with the spoon.1 ounce Vodka, ½ ounce Blue Curacao
- Garnish as desired with an orange slice, orange peel, and/or a maraschino cherry.Garnish Orange slice or cherry
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
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