Nothing goes better with a great cocktail than good food, but in the case of this drink created by Niccole Trzaska, a bartender at The Liberty in Manhattan, the two can become one.
“I was really inspired by the interplay of sweet and salty in EFFEN’s Salted Caramel vodka, which reminded me of one of my favorite treats—caramel popcorn,” she says. “I have a lot of fond memories of this snack that come back to me every time I taste it, and I wanted to translate this flavor profile into a cocktail, which came out perfectly in my Salted Caramel Popcorn Martini.”
It might seem like a stretch as far as flavored ‘tinis go, but Trzaska does have a point. The sweetness of caramel mixed with a bit of salt sounds like a great combination for an autumnal libation. “The combination of popcorn infused simple syrup with the salted caramel vodka is amazing,” she says, “and brings back all those memories with every sip.”
The Salted Caramel Popcorn Martini
2 parts Effen Salted Caramel Vodka
1/4 part simple syrup
5 caramel popcorn kernels, popped, plus additional for garnish
In a mixing glass, muddle all ingredients except vodka. Add vodka and stir with ice. Strain into a chilled rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a skewer of 3 caramel popcorn kernels.
