Description

Shake up a Scarlet Nightfall Martini! This elegant gin cocktail blends blackberry, rosemary & citrus for a dramatic, flavorful sip

Ingredients

For the Cocktail Base:

2 oz Gin: A London Dry Gin (like Beefeater or Tanqueray) provides a crisp, botanical backbone that complements the fruit flavors beautifully. For a smoother, less juniper-forward profile, use a floral gin like Hendrick’s. Vodka can be substituted for a neutral base.
1 oz Blackberry Liqueur (e.g., Crème de Mûre): This provides the deep purple/red base color and a rich, jammy berry flavor.
½ oz Pomegranate Liqueur (e.g., PAMA) or 1 oz Pomegranate Juice: Pomegranate liqueur adds alcohol and a tart-sweet complexity, while juice makes a slightly lighter, fruitier version.
½ oz Fresh Lime Juice: This is non-negotiable. The fresh, sharp acidity is crucial for balancing the sweetness of the liqueurs.
½ oz Simple Syrup (optional): Depending on the sweetness of your liqueurs and your personal preference, you may want to add a touch of simple syrup. Start without it and add if needed.

For the Scarlet Layer & Garnish:

A dash of Aperol or Campari: This is the secret to the “scarlet” top layer. Aperol provides a slightly bitter, orange hue, while Campari is more bitter and delivers a deeper red.
1 Egg White or ½ oz Aquafaba (for a vegan option): For a luxurious, silky foam topping that represents the wispy clouds at dusk.
Garnish:
- Blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- Lime Twist or Wheel
- Edible Gold Flakes (for ultimate luxury)
- A sprig of Rosemary or Thyme (for an aromatic touch)

Instructions

Step 1: The Dry Shake (For Foam)
If you are using an egg white or aquafaba, begin with a “dry shake.” In a cocktail shaker without ice, combine the gin, blackberry liqueur, pomegranate liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup (if using), and the egg white/aquafaba. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This emulsifies the egg white and creates a rich, thick foam.

Step 2: The Wet Shake
Open the shaker, add a generous amount of ice, and seal it again. Shake vigorously for another 15-20 seconds. This chills the cocktail and further aerates the foam. If you are not using a foam, simply do this one “wet shake” with all the liquid ingredients and ice.

Step 3: The Strain and Layer
Fine-strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass. You want to leave the ice behind but allow the foam to pass through. Hold your spoon upside down, just above the surface of the drink. Slowly and carefully pour a small dash (about ¼ tsp) of Aperol or Campari over the back of the spoon. It will float on top of the foam, creating a beautiful scarlet layer. For a more integrated gradient, you can gently stir the Aperol into the top of the foam with a cocktail pick.

Step 4: The Garnish
Skewer 2-3 fresh blackberries on a cocktail pick and rest it across the rim of the glass. Express a lime twist over the drink by twisting it over the surface to release its oils, then drop it in or drape it on the rim. For added drama, sprinkle a few edible gold flakes onto the scarlet layer.

Step 5: Serve Immediately
Serve the martini immediately while it is beautifully chilled and the layers are distinct. Instruct your guest to sip through the scarlet top layer first for a unique tasting experience

Notes

Cocktail Shaker (Boston or Cobbler style)
Jigger (for precise measurement)
Hawthorne Strainer and/or Fine-Mesh Strainer
Coupe or Martini Glass
Cocktail Pick or Small Skewer
Spoon (for layering)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Category: Drinks
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 210 kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 20 mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 1g