Easy Pecan Pie Martini Recipe with Pecan Liqueur

If you love pecan pie, here's a dessert cocktail version that will give you cozy fall vibes. With the classic flavors of caramel, cream and pecan liqueur, this pecan pie martini recipe is the perfect ending to a holiday meal.

If decadent pecan pie is one of your favorite desserts, here's a way to indulge without having to bake a pie. This delicious cocktail will remind you of the gooey filling and buttery pecans (with a kick!).

What is pecan liqueur?

The secret to this cocktail is Rivulet Artisan Pecan Liqueur. If you've never tried it, this pecan liqueur is made from pecans and brandy. The flavor is nutty and sweet with notes of toasted pecans, butter, caramel, maple syrup, vanilla and orange zest.

Here's what you'll need

For this pecan pie inspired cocktail, you'll need just a few simple ingredients for the drink.

• Pecan liqueur – Rivulet Pecan Liqueur adds the flavor of pecans and some sweetness to the drink. You can also use Evangeline Pecan Praline liqueur, but it is sweeter so you may want to use less.
• Irish cream liqueur – Adds creaminess and some additional sweetness to the cocktail. I like original Baileys Irish Cream for this, but you can also use Baileys Salted Caramel for more of a salty sweet drink. Or RumChata, a rum based cream liquor with cinnamon and vanilla, for a more spiced version.
• Vodka – Caramel vodka, like Smirnoff Kissed Caramel, amps up the caramel flavor to mimic the gooey pecan pie filling. You can also use plain vodka to tone down the sweetness, or if you use caramel cream liqueur.
• Cream – This is optional, but it will make the drink creamier and tone down the alcohol and the sweetness a little bit. If you prefer less potent martinis, add a splash of whole milk, half and half or heavy cream.
• Caramel sauce - For drizzling inside the glass. The caramel adds the gooey pie filling element.
• Ice cubes - For shaking to chill and slightly dilute the drink.

Bar equipment

• Cocktail shaker – For making your martini extra cold, use a cocktail shaker. I recommend a stainless steel shaker that has a built-in strainer. This allows you to easily shake the drink and then strain it into the glass. 
• Measuring glass - I use this easy-to-read professional measuring glass measures half an ounce to four ounces. You can also use a jigger (it measures an ounce on the small side and two ounces on the larger side).
• Cocktail glasses – Chilled cocktail glasses are a must to serve your martini. Classic martini glasses show off the drink, but coupe glasses have a higher rim that makes them harder to spill.

How to make it

Step 1: Prepare the glass

Chilled cocktail glasses are a must to serve your martini. Store martini or coupe glasses upside down in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before using.

If you want to make it extra fancy, you can dress up your glass with a "pie crust" rim. Just dip the rim of a martini glass in caramel syrup, then dip it in a flat dish of crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs (pulse in a food processor).

Then drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass so it's ready when you pour the drink.

Step 2: Mix the drink

Add the pecan liqueur, Baileys, vodka, and a handful of ice cubes to the shaker. Shake until chilled and creamy.

Step 3: Serve it up

Pour your pecan pie martini into the chilled glass and garnish as desired. Float a few whole pecans on top or pipe whipped cream around the rim of the glass.

Variations

If you're a fan of other pies with pecans, here are a couple of new recipes to try.

Bourbon Pecan Pie - Swap bourbon for the vodka for a classic Southern version. Garnish this bourbon whiskey cocktail with a twist of orange peel.

Derby Pie - The traditional Kentucky Derby pie is famous for its combination of nuts and chocolate. Substitute a creamy chocolate liqueur for the Irish cream for a Derby Day version. Garnish with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.

However you make it, this dessert martini is the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail or drink for a holiday season happy hour or Christmas party.

More dessert martinis

If you love cocktails for dessert, try these great recipes for sweet martinis!

• Pumpkin Pie Martini
• Key Lime Pie Martini
• Tiramisu Martini
• ​Ultimate Chocolate Martini
• Easy Espresso Martini With Baileys