Kiwi. KIWI. Kiwis. The votes have been counted and verified and "kiwi" is officially the most fun word to say out loud. They are also a fun and delicious cocktail ingredient. Why fun? Errm they are BRIGHT GREEN! Cool. Okay. So what to do with a kiwi? In my humble opinion, kiwis go well with gin, vodka and tequila, with the latter being the absolute best pairing. Kiwis could be to tequila what lemons are to gin, if only limes and grapefruits would step aside and let the real queen come through. I devised a little cocktail from my bar cart that was so good I needed to share it. Immediately.
Takiwi
1.5 oz tequila (I used Tromba)
1oz fresh lemon
1oz kiwi puree + chopped kiwi to garnish
0.5 oz simple syrup
Fresh mint
Soda water (I used Fever Tree)
Muddle together kiwi, lemon juice, a few sprigs of fresh mint, tequila, and simple syrup. Add ice and a few slices of kiwi. Top with soda water and stir. Garnish with more mint and a slice of kiwi. YUM.
Okay, so you want one more kiwi cocktail for the road? I got you. How about the Kiwitini? A martini but with...you know.
Kiwitini
2 oz limoncello (or 2oz of vodka if you don't have it!)
1.5oz kiwi puree
0.25 oz chartreuse
Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker along with a handful of ice. Shake vigorously. Double strain (so no kiwi bits) and serve in a chilled martini glass with a kiwi slice to garnish.
Watch Me!
Want to watch me talk you through how to make the Takiwi, Kiwitini and a Kiwi 75? Well, here I am!