I’ve always loved a Lemon Drop Martini but since trying this version flavored with vanilla I have to admit that the BEST one is this Lemon Drop Martini with Vanilla Bean! Uniquely made and a truly superior cocktail!
I’m republishing this post because the Lemon Drop Martini with vanilla bean deserves more attention. A neighbor recently asked if I had a Lemon Drop Martini recipe on the blog, and recalling this version convinced me it needed a refresh. Bright citrus, vodka, and real vanilla make a cocktail that’s truly exceptional.
Many readers hadn’t seen the original post, and the old photos no longer did the drink justice. So I remade the cocktail, retook photos, and shared a porch cocktail with my neighbor Amy. The result reminded me why this is one of my favorites.
Years ago I was invited to a tasting at Denver’s D Bar Desserts as part of an event featuring Tillamook Cheese. Hosted by Keegan Gerhard and Lisa Bailey, D Bar Desserts served appetizers, creative burger samples, and this Lemon Drop Martini — which quickly became the highlight of the evening. Keegan’s warm, professional presence and the care his team took with the food made the night memorable.
We started with fresh fruit, samples of Tillamook cheeses, and a restaurant favorite: Tillamook-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon. There were cocktails too, and I’m so glad I chose the Lemon Drop Martini with vanilla bean.
The drink is one of my go-to cocktails now. The recipe shared by Keegan and his staff includes a few clever touches, like using large cake-decorating sugar crystals for the rim — they add sparkle and texture that I love.
At the event we also watched Keegan prepare a creative burger called the KGB 2.0, featuring herbed, cheesy waffles as the bun. It was a chance to pick his brain about high-altitude cooking; his tips reinforced techniques I already use (higher heat often helps). The combination of Kobe beef, Applewood bacon, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, and Tillamook Medium Cheddar was outstanding. I later recreated the KGB 2.0 at home — a waffle burger makes a fun, memorable meal.
D Bar Desserts, founded by Keegan and Lisa, built its reputation on pastry. The dessert trio we tasted — rich chocolate for dipping, a fried pastry called a “Chia Churro,” and a perfectly torched mini crème brûlée — showcased their pastry skills. The simple crème brûlée was especially memorable: crisp caramelized sugar over a smooth custard is hard to beat.
Overall it was a delightful evening of great food, interesting people, and excellent cocktails. I appreciated D Bar Desserts and Tillamook for hosting the event and for sharing the Lemon Drop Martini recipe.
Look at this Lemon Drop Martini — you can see the vanilla flecks suspended in the drink and the sugared rim that makes it so pretty. The visual appeal matches the flavor: using lemonade as the base and adding vanilla paste creates both taste and texture that set this cocktail apart.
This variation uses real vanilla paste and lemonade as its foundation rather than a simple lemon syrup. The vanilla specks floating in the drink add aroma and a subtle richness that I haven’t found in other Lemon Drops. It’s one of those cocktails you’ll be glad someone encouraged you to try.
Update: I’ve visited D Bar Desserts again since that event and remain impressed. They’ve relocated to a new space and continue to serve inventive menu items. One recent favorite I keep thinking about is their Fried Brussels Sprouts with Sriracha and Honey glaze — a sweet and spicy side that’s addictive.
PIN IT! ‘Lemon Drop Martini with Vanilla Bean’
Lemon Drop Martini
Barb
Pin Recipe
15 minutes
15 minutes
Cocktails, Friday Cocktails
American
6 Cocktail
162 kcal
Ingredients
For the Lemon Drop Mixture
- ¼ cup hot water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla paste
- 2 lemons
- ½ lime
- 1 ½ cups cold water (use up to 2 cups)
For the Cocktail
- 3-4 oz Lemon Drop Mixture
- 1 ½ ounces vodka
To Rim the Glass
- lemon slices
- sugar I prefer large granule cake decorating sugar.
Instructions
To Make the Lemon Drop Mixture
-
Blend 1/4 cup hot water, sugar, and vanilla paste in a food processor at low speed while you cut the fruit into quarters. Stop the blender, add the cut fruit and cold water to taste (use up to 2 cups for larger fruit). Pulse about 5–6 times until no large pieces remain — do not overblend to avoid bitterness. Strain into a container and chill.
To Make the Cocktail
-
Rim the edge of a martini glass with lemon juice, then dip it in sugar.
-
Combine the Lemon Drop Mixture with vodka in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously 10–12 times. Strain into prepared glasses and serve.
Notes
Vanilla Bean Syrup:
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 whole vanilla bean, split lengthwise; seeds scraped and pod cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tsp vodka (optional, for preserving)
- Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer 1–2 minutes until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the vanilla seeds and pods, remove from heat, and let cool uncovered. Stir in the vodka, then transfer to a lidded container and let steep.
- Store the syrup in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
black vodka, cocktail, lemon drop, martini
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!