PB&J Martini: Don’t Be Stingy With the Jelly

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are an American classic. Here’s a drink that may conjure up memories of the school lunchroom: the PB&J Martini.

It’s one of my originals. Here’s what you need:

1 teaspoon of smooth peanut butter

2 heaping teaspoons of strawberry jelly (or jam as the Brits say)

An extra big glob of strawberry jelly on a plate (it’s for the garnish)

½ shot of vanilla schnapps

2 shots of vodka

First start with the garnish. Take a martini glass and swirl the rim through a large glob of jelly. It should create a nice strawberry smear around the rim. Chill the glass.

Pour two shots of vodka into a shaker. Then add in 2 heaping teaspoons of strawberry jelly and whisk it around with a fork until all the clumps are broken up. Then drop in the peanut butter and whisk again. Pour in ½ shot of vanilla schnapps and give all the contents a few stirs. Chuck in some ice. Finally, shut the container and shake. Strain into a garnished martini glass.

Here’s the odd thing about this PB&J martini. You only need a small bit of peanut butter. Any more than I recommend and you might as well be sticking your tongue in the peanut butter jar. The flavour is that powerful. In fact, I would argue you could get away with using a little bit less than a teaspoon of peanut butter, but it really depends on your taste buds.

Strawberry jelly is really important because it gives the drink colour and it helps control the overwhelming peanut flavour. This is why I think it’s critical to have the jelly both in the mix and on the rim.

Finally, why did I put vanilla schnapps in it? I’ve learnt over time that you cannot rely fully on juices and condiments to cut through harsh liquors. The vanilla schnapps soothes and smooths. It also compliments the peanut butter and stops the jelly from trying to sweeten everything up too much.

Overall, it smells and tastes like Mom’s peanut butter and jelly sandwich – only served in a martini glass and not a Care Bear lunch pale.