The Ube Martini is creamy, colorful, and full of rich, nutty flavor. Made with ube (purple yam), this drink brings a naturally sweet and slightly earthy taste that sets it apart from your usual dessert-style cocktails. Vodka gives it a clean base, while a splash of coconut milk or cream adds smoothness. The deep purple color makes it pop, but it’s the mellow flavor and silky texture that really shine. It’s great for after dinner or any time you want something unique but easy to enjoy. If you’re into sweet drinks with a twist, the Ube Martini delivers.
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Tasting Notes
This Ube Martini is rich, creamy, and smooth with the unique flavor of ube (purple yam) shining through. The ube halaya gives it a naturally sweet, earthy taste that’s mellow and comforting. Coconut cream adds a soft texture and a tropical note that pairs perfectly with the ube. Vodka keeps the base clean while letting the flavor of the ingredients shine. The simple syrup rounds it out with just a bit of extra sweetness. It’s not overly strong or too sweet just an easy, flavorful martini with a creamy finish and a beautiful purple color.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a cocktail shaker, a jigger for measuring, and a fine mesh strainer to get a smooth pour. A bar spoon can help blend the ube halaya into the liquids if needed. A chilled martini or coupe glass is perfect here it keeps the drink cold and lets the purple color stand out. You can also use a small funnel to help pour into the glass without spills, especially since the mixture is a bit thicker than your average martini. Make sure to chill the glass beforehand for the best result.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz ube halaya
- 1 oz coconut cream
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
Instructions
- Add the vodka, ube halaya, coconut cream, and simple syrup to a shaker.
- Stir or whisk briefly inside the shaker to help blend the ube before adding ice.
- Add ice and shake hard for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Serve right away.
Pro Tips
- Use a fine strainer to get a smooth, clean pour.
- Shake hard to fully blend the ube and coconut cream.
- Chill the martini glass ahead of time.
- Use ube halaya at room temp it blends easier.
- Add a pinch of salt to brighten the flavors.
- Use coconut milk if you want it lighter.
- Blend instead of shake for a frozen-style version.
- Garnish with coconut flakes or a tiny spoon of ube halaya on top.
When to Serve
The Ube Martini is great for after-dinner drinks, dessert pairings, or anytime you want something different and fun. Its color makes it a conversation starter, and the flavor is rich enough to stand on its own. It works well for themed parties, modern cocktail menus, or as a signature drink. It’s a good fit for warm evenings or holiday gatherings where something creamy and chilled hits the spot. If you like sweet, smooth drinks with a unique twist, this one is easy to reach for.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Vodka:
- Tito’s Handmade (smooth and neutral)
- Absolut (clean with a slight citrus finish)
- Ketel One (soft and balanced)
- Smirnoff (easy to find and blends well)
Similar Cocktails
Equipment
- Fine strainer
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz ube halaya
- 1 oz coconut cream
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
Instructions
- Add the vodka, ube halaya, coconut cream, and simple syrup to a shaker.
- Stir or whisk briefly inside the shaker to help blend the ube before adding ice.
- Add ice and shake hard for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Serve right away.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Ube halaya can be thick use a bar spoon or whisk to mix it fully before shaking.
- For a smoother finish, double strain the drink to catch any ube bits.
- Want a little extra visual flair? Garnish with a tiny swirl of coconut cream or a dusting of toasted coconut.