Lemon Meringue Martini

The Lemon Meringue Martini is one of my most popular recipes because, well, who doesn’t love pie?! This martini seriously tastes just like lemon meringue pie and it’s both creamy and tart. It turns out the secret ingredient is this Rumchata Limon I’ve literally had in my kitchen since last year because I didn’t know what to do with it. It’s pretty much all the flavors of a lemon meringue pie filling in one bottle, so I’d say this is a pretty good use for it.

I also add a good limoncello (try Fabrizia) and my favorite Disaronno Amaretto. The almond liqueur kind of mimics the crust of a lemon meringue pie and just tips it over the edge into something really special. I add vanilla vodka much like I add vanilla to pretty much anything I’m baking — that is, more than the recipe calls for.

Watch Me Mix a Lemon Meringue Martini

How to Make a Lemon Meringue Martini

1. In a cocktail shaker, add fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, limoncello (I used Fabrizia Limoncello), Amaretto (I used Disaronno), vanilla vodka, Rumchata Limon (or heavy cream), and egg white.
2. Dry shake. Add ice and shake again.
3. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
4. Garnish and enjoy!

Lemon Meringue Martini Ingredients and Substitutions

Vanilla Vodka

Vodka is the most neutral alcohol out there, so for this dessert cocktail, I chose a vanilla vodka. Just like adding vanilla extract to a lemon meringue pie, this vanilla vodka adds a sweet richness that starts to build the lemon meringue pie flavors in your martini. That being said, this recipe works with unflavored vodka as well.

Limoncello

You can easily make your own limoncello at home, or buy it at the store. Both are delicious, sour, sweet, and a match made in heaven for this cocktail.

Rumchata Limon

I had a bottle of this liqueur lying around, so you could just use heavy cream instead if you don’t want to buy a whole bottle. But it’s also not a bad thing to have lying around, with Caribbean rum, cream, vanilla and lemon. It’s an obvious addition to take this lemon meringue martini over the top and into dessert land.

Amaretto

This almond liqueur is one of the best bottles you can have on hand if you like sweeter, creamy cocktails like this. It’s made from stone fruit and bitter almonds, so it almost acts like the almond extract you might add to pie crust or the lemon custard filling.

Simple Syrup

It is soooo easy to make your own simple syrup at home! You could also infuse your simple syrup with lemon peel, vanilla, or almond extract, especially if you use heavy cream instead of the rumchata.

Lemon Juice

If it’s not fresh… we don’t want it!

Egg White

The egg white is what makes your Lemon Meringue Martini even creamier, with a frothy head and a luxurious mouthfeel, just like a slice of lemon meringue pie.

Tips for Making the Best Lemon Meringue Martini

• Chill your glass and all of your ingredients before mixing together in the shaker.
• The double shake, first a dry shake with no ice then a second shake with ice, is crucial for getting a egg white cocktail.
• Sprinkle sugar on top and brulée with a kitchen torch if you have one!
• If you make your own simple syrup and squeeze fresh lemon juice, you’ll be able to taste the difference.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Meringue Martini

• If you love lemon meringue pie (who doesn’t?!) this might become your new favorite cocktail. Also try my Olive Oil Basil Limoncello Sour for a more summery version.
• If you really want to wow your guests, this is the ultimate Holiday Cocktail.
• All you sweet, dessert cocktail lovers out there, this one’s for you! But the sourness from the lemon juice and limoncello really balances it out so it’s not too sweet, ya know?