Kumquat martinis are a great way to enjoy the kumquat season. Heaven knows that this has to be one of the best ways to use kumquats. EVER.
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As you may know from my previous post on how to eat kumquats, these little pearls of citrus are the opposite of what we’re used to with oranges and grapefruits, for example. The skin of the kumquat is sweet, and the juice is sour.
Kumquat martinis are the perfect way to take advantage of this sweet and sour goodness. I combined the kumquats with Grand Marnier and vodka for a winning combination!
If you have any kumquats left on your tree, or picked some up at your local market, give this kumquat martini recipe a go. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Here are some other kumquat recipes you may enjoy, too.
Frosty Kumquat Martinis
original recipe by Christina Conte makes 2 large or 3 small martinis
FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW
Ingredients
- kumquats
- ice cubes
- Grand Marnier
- Ketel One Citroen vodka
- caster or superfine sugar
- extra sugar for rimming the glasses
Special equipment: Vitamix (I have this model) or blender and martini glasses
Prep the glasses for the Kumquat Martinis
Prepare the glasses by rubbing half a kumquat around the rim and dipping in sugar.
Cut the kumquats in half and remove all the pits. Keep two or three thin slices aside to garnish the glass.
Make the Cocktails
Put the ice, kumquats, Grand Marnier, vodka and sugar in the blender jar.
Blend until smooth and pour into martini glasses.
Serve immediately. (Was this last instruction even necessary?)
Take a look at all the rest of my cocktails. You’ll also find a few just below here, too.
CHEERS!

Frosty Kumquat Martinis (One of the Best Ways to Use Kumquats!)
A boozy way to use kumquats!
Ingredients
- about 12 kumquats
- 1 1/2 cups of ice cubes
- 1 shot (1 oz) Grand Marnier
- 2 shots (2 oz) Ketel One Citroen vodka (substitute plain vodka if you like)
- 3 teaspoons caster or superfine sugar
- extra sugar for rimming the glasses
Instructions
Special equipment: Vitamix (I have this model) or blender and martini glasses
- Prepare the glasses by rubbing half a kumquat around the rim and dipping in sugar.
- Cut the kumquats in half and remove all the pits. Keep two or three thin slices aside to garnish the glass.
- Put the ice, kumquats, Grand Marnier, vodka and sugar in the blender jar.
- Blend until smooth and pour into martini glasses.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1 glassAmount Per Serving:Calories: 672Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 15mgCarbohydrates: 121gFiber: 7gSugar: 113gProtein: 2g
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Oh dear ! I’m in. Thank you !
Good! :)
I’m a sucker for kumquats. For me they have just the right mix of sour and bitter and sweet. And a bit of vodka and Grand Marnier never hurt anybody.
Haha! I agree, Frank!
We have recently discovered that there are several varieties of kumquats out there. One bitter, one sweet. And then there are calamondin oranges (or limes) which aren’t kumquats! Luckily for us and our want to make your martini, our kumquat and our neighbor’s kumquat are sweet!
Yes, I saw a round Asian type at the Santa Monica farmer’s market, too. You’ll love these cocktails, David! Give them a try!
Have you ever seen The Trip to Italy with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon? There’s a moment when they’re served a dish with a Kumquat on it and they made so many jokes about it I can’t get them out of my head every time I see one or read the word. This quote is especially relevant with the martini recipe,
“Come come Mr Bond. You derive as much pleasure from saying Kumquat as I do.”
Just had to share lol.
Haha! No, I’ve never seen it. Sounds like another one to add to my list! :)
That looks refreshingly delightful. I must give it a try.
You’d love it, Cathy! I’m sure of it!
oo Yum! Its only Monday but I’m ready!
Right? Always a good time for a martini! Hee hee!
It’s so long since I’ve had kumquats – oh, the life in sunny CA to have them falling from your tree *sigh*. Can just imagine those martinis that I’m seriously salivating here! The American word, liquor, always makes me giggle as it sounds so naughty… but to have a Liquor Man too?
Ha! They don’t actually fall from the tree, they’re kind of hard to pick! I know, to have a Liquor Man is pretty funny!
[…] They are great when used for marmalade, lots of citrus dishes, and even liqueurs and cocktails. […]