A 5-Minute Pretty Pink Martini With Rosé Aperitif

A simple martini variation with a rosy twist

If you like your cocktails clean, crisp, and polished, this pretty pink martini offers a small but meaningful change to the classic formula. Instead of using standard vermouth, the drink relies on a rosé aperitif wine—an ingredient that brings both fresh flavor and a delicate blush color. The result is a sophisticated sip that comes together quickly, looks striking in the glass, and feels well-suited to toasting just about any occasion.

The combination is straightforward: botanical gin meets a light, dry aperitif wine infused with herbs and fruits. Served cold and finished with a lemon peel twist, the cocktail balances aromatic notes with a bright citrus lift. It’s a minimal-ingredient drink, but it’s designed to feel special.

Why rosé aperitif wine matters here

A key detail for this recipe is that rosé wine and rosé aperitif wine are not interchangeable. While they may share a similar color family, they play different roles in a cocktail. The drink specifically calls for a rosé aperitif—an aperitif wine typically served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. These wines are often light and dry, and they are commonly infused with herbs and fruits, which helps them stand in for vermouth in a martini-style build.

When shopping, look for a rosé aperitif such as Lillet Rosé, Cocchi Rosa, or Rue de Rêve. Using the correct style is what delivers the intended flavor profile and the “pretty-in-pink” hue.

Ingredients

• 5 Tbsp. gin (such as Hendrick's) (2 1/2 oz.)
• 1 tsp. rosé aperitif wine (Cocchi Rosa or Lillet Rosé) (1/2 oz.)
• Lemon peel twist, for garnish

How to make the pink martini

This is a stirred cocktail, which helps keep the drink clear and silky while thoroughly chilling it. Start by filling a mixing glass with ice, then add the gin and rosé aperitif wine. Stir until the mixture is well chilled, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Finish with a lemon peel twist to add brightness and aroma.

• Stir together gin and rosé aperitif wine in a mixing glass filled with ice until chilled.
• Strain into a chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with a lemon peel twist.

Garnish tip: prep lemon twists ahead

The lemon twist is more than decoration—it adds a final touch of brightness that complements the herbal and fruit-infused character of the aperitif. If you’re planning ahead for a gathering or simply want to streamline cocktail time, you can prepare lemon peel twists in advance. Make them up to 3 days ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When it’s time to serve, you’ll have a ready-to-use garnish that keeps the process quick and consistent.

What to expect in the glass

This martini variation is designed to be delicate and refined. The gin provides the botanical backbone, while the rosé aperitif wine contributes a crisp, lightly aromatic accent. Together they create a drink that is both visually appealing and easy to savor. The soft pink color makes it stand out without needing extra ingredients, and the lemon twist adds a clean finishing note.

Because the recipe is so streamlined, each component has a clear role. Choosing a rosé aperitif (not standard rosé wine) and taking the time to chill the drink properly are the small steps that help it taste balanced and look polished.

Quick summary

• Swap standard vermouth for rosé aperitif wine to give a classic martini-style drink fresh flavor and a pink hue.
• Use a rosé aperitif such as Lillet Rosé, Cocchi Rosa, or Rue de Rêve—rosé wine is not a substitute.
• Stir with ice until chilled, strain into a chilled martini glass, and finish with a lemon peel twist.
• Prep lemon twists up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container.