Orange-Tangerine Drop Martini

This orange-tangerine drop martini recipe is a fun take on the more traditional lemon drop martini. Here, the drink is infused with orange juice, orange liqueur and tangerine balsamic vinegar (the secret ingredient).  The orange flavor is reinforced by dipping the rim of the glass in orange marmalade and then finished with a dip in sugar for a sugared rim.  Yummy.

You’ll need orange juice for the recipe and of course I’ll recommend squeezing your own but I always use a container of OJ from the store when making these in batches.  It is just faster and easier and the taste is fine.

You can use the orange liqueur of your choice.  Here, I used Cointreau but Triple Sec or your own favorite will work just fine.  Adding the Patricia and Paul Tangerine Balsamic Vinegar is a great touch.  It cuts the sweetness but enhances the orange notes.  Such a nice twist.

Speaking of which, do cut or peel a strip of orange rind and twist it over the drink to release those orange oils.  The smell is amazing.  Just drop into the drink and enjoy.

An important note on this drink, you can easily serve this on the rocks but if you don’t, make sure your martini glass has been chilled in the freezer and that the drink has been mixed and shaken with a lot of ice to get really cold.

I’ll leave the mixed drink in the shaker with ice while I prep the glasses and rim them with sugar.  This lets the liquid get even colder.  Then, when you strain it, you’ll have a fabulous, delicious and perfectly chilled cocktail.

Did you like this recipe?  Be sure you try some of my other favorite martini recipes:

Kahlua Espresso Martini

French Martini

Appletini

Limequat Vodka Martini