I love coming up with cocktails that catch people off guard, and honestly, this Ginger and Prawn Martini does just that. There’s something about mixing fresh ginger with the delicate flavor of prawn that makes this drink feel bold, yet somehow still really refreshing.
Here’s how you can make a martini that brings together savory seafood and a little hit of spice, all in a way that’s simple but balanced.
What I like most is how this cocktail stands out from the usual options. Ginger gives it a cozy warmth and a crisp finish, and the prawn? It adds a gentle savory note that just works with the clean martini base.
It’s not just a drink—more like a whole new flavor experience. Worth a shot, if you ask me.
You’ll see, it’s pretty easy to put together. The steps are simple, the ingredients aren’t complicated, and you don’t need any fancy gear.
Ginger And Prawn Martini Cocktail Recipe
I try to keep this drink sharp, balanced, and a little bit unexpected. The ginger, citrus, and prawn garnish make it different from your standard vodka martini, but it’s still easy enough to whip up at home.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker with a good tight lid so you can really shake things up
- Strainer to catch ice and pulp before you pour
- Martini glass or any cocktail glass, chilled ahead of time
- Jigger or some sort of measuring tool so your pours aren’t wild
- Bar spoon for the occasional stir
- Citrus juicer for squeezing fresh lemon or lime
- Fine grater or microplane for that ginger
- Small knife and cutting board for prepping the garnish
- Ice cubes—gotta have those
Honestly, a chilled glass makes everything taste sharper and it keeps your drink cold longer. And a proper shaker? It really helps the ginger blend with the citrus and vodka, which you just can’t get by stirring.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka (plain or go flavored if that’s your thing)
- 0.5 oz Cointreau or another orange liqueur
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz orange juice
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- Ice cubes
- 1 cooked prawn, peeled with the tail on, for garnish
Fresh ginger wins every time over bottled juice, in my opinion. There’s just more aroma and bite. The lemon, lime, and orange juice? They balance out the sweetness and the vodka’s punch. And yeah, the prawn garnish sounds odd, but it adds this savory touch that just works with the ginger.
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add vodka, Cointreau, simple syrup, lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, and grated ginger.
- Shake it hard for about 15 seconds, until the shaker gets really cold.
- Strain into your chilled martini glass.
- Set the prawn on the rim as a garnish.
- Serve right away while it’s still icy.
I usually end up shaking longer than I think I should—ginger takes a bit to blend in. Straining is key, too; you don’t want a cloudy drink from ginger pulp.
Notes
I almost always go with plain vodka for a clean base, but sometimes citrus vodka is fun if I’m feeling it. You can tweak the simple syrup if you want it sweeter or drier—totally up to you.
Fresh juice makes all the difference. Bottled stuff just doesn’t have the same brightness. If you’ve got big ice cubes, use those—they melt slower and keep your drink from getting watered down.
The prawn garnish? Make sure it’s cooked and chilled. I go for a medium-sized one so it sits nicely on the glass without tipping it over.
Equipment
- Fine grater
- Cocktail pick
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka prawn-infused
- 1 large prawn for infusion and garnish
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth
- 0.5 tsp fresh ginger finely grated
- ice cubes
- lemon twist optional garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, gently heat vodka with the prawn for 5 minutes. Cool and strain to infuse flavor.
- Shake until well chilled and strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish with a prawn on a cocktail pick and a lemon twist if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Tasting Notes
When I take that first sip, the sharp warmth of ginger hits me right away. It’s got this lively kick—kind of wakes up my taste buds, but honestly, it doesn’t go overboard.
The prawn garnish? It brings a savory, salty edge that really balances out those fresh citrus notes in the martini. I like how the seafood flavor just sort of lingers after each sip.
There’s also this gentle sweetness from the vermouth. It softens the ginger’s spice, which makes the cocktail easy to drink but still keeps its boldness.
The texture comes across crisp and clean. I love that the finish is refreshing, and the flavors don’t get muddled—each one stands out.
Honestly, the best part for me is how the spicy, savory, and bright citrus flavors play off each other. It’s balanced, and it keeps me curious from start to finish.

