Drinking in Season: Concord Martini Recipe

Kelly Carámbula
Drinking in Season: Concord Martini Recipe

The sweet smell of concord grapes is sneaking into markets as the tail end of summer brings brings another batch of mouthwatering fruits our way. The deep blue and purple grapes are flush with a bold, juicy flavor—quite like grape jelly! When eaten or imbibed right off the vine, the flavor lands on the more sophisticated end of the spectrum.

Since the grapes have such a strong flavor and color, I created a simple martini that really allowed it to shine. Fresh concord grape juice is paired with a hefty serving of vodka and a splash of white vermouth to make a cocktail that is 100% adult. Each sip starts with the vivid, sweet flavor of the grapes and ends with the warm, sharp taste of vodka—a perfect balance.

Note: Freshly smashed Concord grapes are best here, but if you have a source for super-freshly squeezed, high quality Concord grape juice, substitute one ounce of the juice and proceed to step 2.

  • Yield:1
  • Active time: 10 minutes
  • Total time:10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 20 Concord grapes (or 1 ounce fresh, high-quality concord grape juice)
  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 1/2 ounce dry vermouth, such as Dolin
  • Garnish: 2 concord grapes on a skewer

Directions

  1. 1.

    Muddle the concord grapes in a jar or glass until completely smashed and liquid is released. If you're using already-pressed juice, proceed to step 2.

  2. 2.

    Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and strain the juice into the cocktail shaker. Add vodka and vermouth.

  3. 3.

    Shake for 10 seconds and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with two concord grapes on a skewer.

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