[1] A Martini flavored with vanilla bean (photo © Beyond Good).

[2] Beyond Good vanilla beans from Madagascar (photo © Zulilly).

[3] You can make vanilla vodka by adding two vanilla beans to a bottle of vodka. Let it infuse for a month or more in a cool, dark place (photo © Vermont Creamery).

[3] Or, you can buy vanilla-infused vodka. The vanilla beans in the bottle turn the vodka a tan color (photo © Triple Eight Distillery).

[4] Straining a Martini (photo © Cottonbro | Pexels).

[4] An espresso Martini. Here’s the recipe (photo © Ekrulila | Pexels).

[5] A chocolate Martini made with chocolate vodka (photo © 5). Versions made with chocolate syrup or cocoa have the color of chocolate milk (photo © Hershey’s).

For National Martini Day, June 19th, this recipe comes to us from Beyond Good, which supports the labors of small cacao and vanilla farmers in Madagascar and Uganda.

Take a look at their product line and see what you’d like for yourself or for gifting.

You may look at the suggested vanilla bean garnish and say: Wow, those beans are expensive. I can’t use them for garnish.

Yes. Because a vanilla bean has a great deal of flavor, it can usually be reused several times before its aroma and taste are depleted. Just rinse the bean and let it dry thoroughly before returning it to the jar.

If you have a bean that has dried out, revive it in hot water. And don’t throw the hot water away: Use it to make a cup of tea, or to make coffee in a coffee press.

And before you start mixing: Consider a trio of mini-Martinis: vanilla (photo #1), coffee (photo #4) and chocolate (photo #5).
 
 
RECIPE: VANILLA MARTINI

This cocktail used a Beyond Good Madagascar vanilla bean; but of course, use up what you have on hand.
 
Ingredients Per Cocktail

 
Preparation

1. SPLIT the vanilla bean in half, lengthwise. Scrape out the vanilla bean seeds into a mixing glass.

2. ADD the gin and dry vermouth plus 4 ice cubes. Stir 20 times, until cold. Or, shake for 15-30 seconds.

3. STRAIN into a Martini glass and garnish with Beyond Good Madagascar Vanilla Bean.
 
 
HOW TO STORE VANILLA BEANS

Vanilla beans are expensive. If you buy them in a jar, store them away from light and heat.

If you buy them loose, first wrap the beans in wax paper or plastic wrap, and store them in an airtight glass container (or a plastic storage container).

Squeeze out as much air as possible from the container to prevent the vanilla beans from drying out.

Never refrigerate or freeze the beans.
 
 
> MARTINI HISTORY
 
 
50+ MORE MARTINI RECIPES

 
And for fun, but not a drink: