Burnt Velvet Recipe

Chill glass

Place a martini glass or coupe in the freezer or fill with ice water to chill while you prepare the cocktail (at least 5 minutes).

Prepare mixing method

Decide whether to stir or shake. For a clearer, silkier martini-style texture, stir with large ice. For a colder, slightly more aerated result, shake with cracked ice. This recipe provides both options below.

Combine ingredients

In a mixing glass (for stirring) or shaker tin (for shaking) add 2 oz chilled vodka, 0.75 oz blackberry liqueur, 0.5 oz dry vermouth, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.25 oz simple syrup, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters.

Stir method

If stirring: add one large ice cube to the mixing glass, stir gently but steadily for 30–40 seconds (about 20–30 revolutions) until the mixture is well chilled and slightly diluted. Strain into the chilled martini glass.

Shake method

If shaking: add a cup of cracked ice to the shaker, cap and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty and very cold. Double-strain through a fine mesh strainer into the chilled martini glass to remove small ice chips and foam.

Adjust sweetness/acidity

Taste (or consider the balance expected) and if needed add an extra 0.25 oz simple syrup for sweetness or 0.25 oz lemon juice for brightness, then stir briefly with a bar spoon and re-strain.

Prepare garnish: gently skewer one fresh blackberry on a cocktail pick. Use a vegetable peeler to cut a thin lemon twist (long strip of zest) and express oils over the surface of the cocktail by holding the twist over the drink and giving it a quick pinch, then rub the rim with the peel and drop or place on the rim.

Optional burnt rosemary aroma: hold a fresh rosemary sprig with tongs, light the tip with a lighter or match until it smolders briefly, then extinguish and hover the smoldering sprig above the cocktail for 3–5 seconds to impart a smoky aroma. Do not drop ash into the drink; extinguish fully after scenting.

Finish and serve: rest the blackberry on the rim or float it in the martini. Serve immediately while cold.

If you chilled the glass with ice water, discard the ice/water before straining the cocktail into the glass. Use a fine strainer for a smooth texture if you shook with cracked ice.