| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 300 | 0g | 0g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 1g | 1g | 0g |
As the child of Nigerian parents who grew up in Atlanta, the beauty of fusion cuisine is no stranger to me. A combination unafraid to cross borders, unabashedly merging tastes and textures that sing in harmonious unison on the palette. The Rambutan Martini, an evocative concoction sensationally brimming with tropical sweetness, effervescent citrus tang, and the bold depth of good vodka, is a staple favorite in our home and a total embodiment of this fusion philosophy.
The Rambutan Martini: More than Just a Sidekick
I find that this Rambutan Martini is more than an hors d’oeuvre or beverage. While it flawlessly introduces an evening of flavor like a prologue to a savored book, it can stand handsomely on its own as the star of the show. Think sizzling summer afternoons turning into lazy evenings, think the cliques of laughters around a crackling fireplace during the winter nights. This tantalizing cocktail, for me, is year-round comfort in a glass.
The Rambutan Martini works wonderfully with an array of dishes. It has the versatility to accompany a light salad, yet boasts the vibrancy to balance out a heartier meal. I personally love to pair it with Spicy Southern Fried Chicken. There’s something about spicy flavor colliding with the cool sweetness of this cocktail that just hits right.
The Health Value in Every Sip
On top of being a treat for the senses, there’s a surprising health benefit tucked within every glass. Rambutans, the star ingredient in this recipe, are blessed with an abundance of antioxidants. These help to flush out toxins from your system and enhance your overall feeling of well-being. Plus, let’s not forget about the fresh lime juice, loaded with Vitamin C and strengthening our immune system besides giving that tangy kick we all love.
So, here’s to this delightful synthesis of Nigerian and Southern influences, of culture and culinary artistry – the Rambutan Martini. A toast to the unexpected, to health, and most of all, to the boundless world of flavors waiting to be explored.
What You’ll Need
- 12 fresh rambutans
- 3 cups of vodka
- 1 1/2 cups of triple sec
- 1 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons of fine sugar
- 6 slices of lime for garnish
- Ice cubes
Method
Step One
Begin by peeling the rambutans and extracting the fruit from the inside, set aside the seed. Quickly rinse the rambutan fruit under cold water and then place them into a cocktail shaker.
Step Two
Add the fine sugar to the cocktail shaker that contains the rambutan fruit. Mash the rambutans and sugar together using a muddle stick or the back of a spoon until it becomes a thick paste.
Step Three
Pour the vodka and triple sec into the cocktail shaker. Also add the freshly squeezed lime juice in there. Stir all the ingredients together until well mixed.
Step Four
Fill the cocktail shaker up with ice cubes and give everything a really good shake. The goal is to chill the cocktail mix without diluting it too much, so shake until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
Step Five
Place the strainer on top of the shaker and pour the cocktail into a martini glass. Be sure to stop any rambutan pulp from entering the glass.
Step Six
Garnish each glass with a slice of lime. Repeat the process for the rest of the servings. Enjoy your Rambutan Martini cold and refreshed.
