Go Back
–+ servings
Save Recipe Form

The Half Shell Martini

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 4 minutes
No ratings yet
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Brunch, Gin, Lemon, Martini, spring, summer
Servings: 1
Author: Jenna Haley

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2.5 oz Oyster Adriatic Gin
  • .25 oz strained Mignonette Sauce*
  • 2-3 drops lemon juice
  • 1 dash hot sauce
  • Lemon twist for garnish
  • Freshly ground black pepper for garnish
  • 1 fresh oyster on the half shell for serving**

*Mignonette Sauce:

  • 1 Shallot
  • 1/4 cup White wine vinegar
  • Fresh black pepper
  • Finely mince the shallot and place it in a bowl. Add the vinegar and and fesh black pepper. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.

Instructions

**1 fresh oyster on the half shell (for serving)

  • You can also buy oysters on the half shell from a seafood market and ask them to open them for you. This is an easier option, but be sure to serve them as soon as possible and keep them cold or on ice until ready to serve.
  • If you are shucking them yourself, here are step-by-step instructions using an Oyster Shucker Kit
  • Wrap it in a towel with the flat side up and the hinge facing you.
  • Place the tip of an oyster knife into the hinge at the back.
  • Gently twist the knife until the shell pops open.
  • Slide the knife along the inside of the top shell to cut the muscle, then lift it off.
  • Slide the knife under the oyster to detach it from the bottom shell.
  • Check for and remove any small shell pieces.
  • Make sure the oyster stays in its liquid and doesn’t spill.

The Half Shell Martini:

  • First, start by placing your coupe or Nick and Nora glass in the freezer.
  • Next get your mignonette sauce out of the fridge. Take a small amount and strain out the shallots.
  • In a mixing glass, combine Oyster Adriatic Gin, strained mignonette, hot sauce, and lemon juice over ice.
  • Stir gently for 20–30 seconds. Do not shake.
  • Strain into a chilled coupé or Nick and Nora glass.
  • Express a lemon peel over the drink and drop it in or place it on the side of the glass.
  • Lightly crack black pepper over the top.
  • Serve with a fresh oyster on the half shell on a small plate or bed of crushed ice. Optionally, spoon a tiny bit of mignonette, hot sauce, and lemon juice onto the oyster itself. If serving in a Nick and Nora glass, place the oyster directly on top for easy serving and immediate consumption.

Notes

Pro Tips

  • Always chill your glass before serving
  • Stir gently to keep the texture smooth and clear
  • Use fresh lemon for the best aroma and balance
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and let us know how it was!