What is not to love about a lemon meringue Martini? This cocktail version of the popular pie is both tart and sweet. It is a perfect alternative to a traditional after dinner dessert, particularly during the summer months when a heavy sweet at the end of a meal might be too much for full stomachs to handle.
Four Lemon Meringue Martinis
There are dozens of different recipes for lemon meringue Martinis. Some are made with half and half or whipped cream layered on top. Others have a fun twist such as a graham cracker crust rim. Here are a few excellent recipes to get your creative juices flowing. After you have had a chance to look them over, consider creating your own version by combining some of the different methods and liqueurs.
Limoncello Version
This version of the cocktail calls for a variety of ingredients that might be difficult to find. Not to worry; there are other recipes that are more simple to put together. However, if you can find the right ingredients, this one will knock your socks off.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of limoncello liqueur
- 1 ounce of lemon juice (from fresh lemons, not bottled)
- 1/2 ounce of sugar mixed with 1/2 ounce of boiling water (this makes simple syrup)
- 1 ounce of Licor 43 (a Spanish liqueur made with vanilla and citrus)
- 3 ounces of heavy cream
- 4 graham crackers, finely crushed
- 1/2 ounce of whipped cream
Directions:
- Dip the rim of a martini glass into the whipped cream, covering it to 1/8-inch deep. Next, dip the rim into the graham crackers for an even crust.
- In a cocktail shaker, mix the limoncello, lemon juice and simple syrup with crushed ice. Shake for about ten seconds, and then strain the drink into a glass and leave room about 1/2 inch from the rim.
- Mix the Licor 43 and the heavy cream together in a cocktail shaker. Slowly pour this mixture into the glass to create a layer on top.
Vanilla Vodka Version
Vanilla vodka lends a sweet and floral taste to this version of the cocktail. It is an excellent balance between sweet and sour.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 ounce of vanilla vodka
- 2 ounces of triple sec
- 3 ounces of half and half
- 1/2 ounce of lemonade concentrate
- 1/2 ounce of whipped cream
- Lemon slice
Directions:
- Combine the vanilla vodka, triple sec, half and half and lemonade concentrate in a cocktail shaker filled halfway with crushed ice.
- Shake vigorously for about ten seconds, and then strain the drink into a Martini glass. Top it with whipped cream and a lemon slice.
Lemon Liqueur Version
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce of lemon liqueur (such as a limoncello or citron vodka)
- Lemon wedge
- 1 ounce of vanilla vodka or Galliano
- 1/2 ounce of simple syrup
- 1 ounce of half and half
- Lemon twist
Directions:
- In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with crushed ice, combine the lemon liqueur, the juice from the lemon wedge and the simple syrup. Shake vigorously for ten seconds, and strain the drink into a Martini glass.
- In the same cocktail shaker, add the vanilla liqueur and half and half. Pour this over the top of the first mixture as a final layer.
- Garnish the glass with a lemon twist.
Rum Version
Rum adds an island note to this cocktail. It is a little sweeter and more robust than other versions, and this makes it perfect for sipping on a hot summer night.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of light rum
- 1/2 ounce of limoncello or citron vodka
- 1/2 ounce of Cointreau
- 1/2 ounce of fresh lemon juice
Directions:
- Combine the rum, liqueurs and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.
- Add crushed ice, and shake vigorously for ten seconds.
- Strain the drink into a Martini glass.
Substitutions
If you can't find limoncello or Licor 43, consider making your own lemon liqueur by steeping lemon peel in your choice of alcohol for several weeks. If you don't want to work that hard, a combination of vanilla and citrus vodka also works fairly well.
Experiment and Find Your Favorite
The only way to decide which one of these cocktails delivers the best lemon meringue flavor for your tastes is to try each of these recipes. You might even want to have a tasting party and invite your friends to try them with you, and then vote for the best one. Remember, you can always adjust the ingredients to tweak the flavor and make it your own.
