RestaurantsLe CalamarCornstar Martini Recipe

Cornstar Martini Recipe

Inspired by Le Calamar
Time1h 5m
Serves1

corn infused vodka, gin, nixta, dry vermouth

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Frequently paired with

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sweet · crisp · bright acidity

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Ingredients

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Cocktail

For corn-infused vodka (make ahead, yields ~12 oz)

Method

For corn-infused vodka (prep 24–48 hours ahead)

1

Prepare corn

Cut kernels from about two ears of fresh sweet corn to yield approximately 1 cup. Lightly bruise the kernels with the back of a spoon to release more flavor.

2

Combine with vodka

Place the bruised corn kernels in a clean, airtight jar and pour 12 oz neutral vodka over them, making sure kernels are fully submerged.

3

Infuse

Seal the jar and let it rest at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours, tasting after 24 hours. The spirit should pick up a sweet, corn-forward aroma and flavor. Do not exceed 72 hours to avoid vegetal bitterness.

4

Strain and store

Strain the vodka through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a clean bottle, pressing gently on the solids to extract liquid. Discard solids. Refrigerate the infused vodka until ready to use.

Cocktail assembly (serve immediately)

5

Chill the martini glass: place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 5 minutes or fill with ice water while you mix the cocktail.

6

Add ingredients to mixing glass: in a mixing glass or cocktail shaker filled with ice (about 1 cup), pour 2 oz corn-infused vodka, 0.5 oz gin, 0.5 oz dry vermouth, and 0.5 oz Nixta (corn liqueur). Add 1 dash of orange bitters.

7

Stir the cocktail: stir the mixture gently with a bar spoon for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted. Stirring (rather than shaking) preserves clarity and a silky texture.

8

Prepare the glass: remove the martini glass from the freezer or dump out the ice water and dry the glass.

9

Strain and garnish: double-strain the cocktail into the chilled martini glass using a Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer. Express a lemon twist over the surface to release oils, rub the rim with the twist if desired, then drop it in or rest it on the rim as garnish.

10

Serve: present immediately. The corn-forward aroma from the infused vodka and Nixta, with the backbone of gin and the dryness of vermouth, should be in balance.

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