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Ocean Blvd Tribute Martini: A Rosy Cheeks Remembrance

The salty air, the gentle crash of waves, and the warmth of the Outer Banks sun – these are the sensations that flood back to me with every sip of this martini. It all started during a memorable vacation when my husband and I stumbled upon Ocean Boulevard restaurant. That first “Rosy Cheeks” martini was a revelation, a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and herbal notes. This recipe is my attempt to capture that magic, a liquid postcard reminding me of good times and even better company.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 1
Yield: 1 Martini
Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

For the Rosemary Sugar Syrup:

¾ cup fresh rosemary leaves, tightly packed
½ cup Splenda sugar substitute
2 tablespoons Splenda sugar substitute
1 ¼ cups water

For the Martini:

4 ounces Grey Goose Le Citron-infused vodka
4 teaspoons rosemary sugar syrup (from above)
4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice or lemon fruit nectar (recipe follows if using lemon juice)

Equipment Needed

Food processor or blender
Medium saucepan
Strainer
Coffee filter
Cocktail shaker
Martini glass

Instructions

(Rosemary Sugar Syrup Preparation – Begin First): In a food processor or blender, combine the ¾ cup fresh rosemary leaves and 2 tablespoons of the Splenda. Process for 20-30 seconds to only bruise the rosemary leaves (it’s OK if it isn’t chopped). The goal is to release their aromatic oils. Take a moment to inhale the wonderful aroma.
In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining ½ cup Splenda, 1 ¼ cups water, and the rosemary mixture from the food processor. Heat just to boiling, stirring to dissolve the Splenda completely.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. This allows the rosemary flavor to infuse into the syrup.
Remove from heat, cover the saucepan, and let stand for 30 minutes. This further enhances the rosemary infusion.
Strain the syrup once through a regular strainer to remove the larger rosemary pieces. Then, strain again through a coffee filter to remove any remaining fine particles. This ensures a clear and smooth syrup. Discard the solids.
Thoroughly chill the syrup in the refrigerator for about an hour, or until completely cold. Note that this rosemary syrup is not a thick syrup; it has a thinner consistency. However, it is intensely flavorful.
(Martini Assembly): Pour the 4 ounces vodka, 4 teaspoons of the rosemary sugar syrup, and 4 teaspoons lemon juice or lemon fruit nectar into a cocktail shaker that is ¾ full of ice.
Shake well until the shaker is very cold, indicating that the drink is properly chilled and mixed.
Retrieve your martini glass and strain the martini into the glass.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary, if desired.
For Lemon Fruit Nectar (Optional): If you’re unable to find lemon nectar at the store, you can easily make your own. Take two lemons, cut down the sides of each lemon, remove the peel and the white pith (the pith is bitter, so be thorough), then cut and separate the sections out. Remove any seeds. Place the lemon sections in a blender and blend until smooth. Strain the juice (one time) to remove any pulp. This homemade lemon nectar adds a wonderful dimension to the drink.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Rosemary Intensity: Adjust the amount of rosemary in the syrup to your preference. For a more subtle flavor, reduce the amount of rosemary leaves slightly.
Sugar Substitute: While Splenda is used here, feel free to experiment with other sugar substitutes. Just be mindful of how it dissolves in the water. You may need to adjust the simmering time slightly.
Shaking Technique: Shake the martini vigorously for at least 20 seconds to ensure it is properly chilled and diluted. Over-shaking can lead to a watery martini, so find the right balance.
Glassware Matters: Chill your martini glass in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving. A cold glass keeps the martini colder for longer.
Vodka Choice: While Grey Goose Le Citron is specified in the original recipe, other citrus-infused vodkas can be used. Experiment to find your favorite.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Ocean Blvd Tribute Martini immediately after preparing it, garnished with a fresh rosemary sprig for an elegant touch. Because of the dilution from shaking, it’s best enjoyed fresh.

The rosemary sugar syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	294.3 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	10 g	4%
Total Fat	1.2 g	1%
Saturated Fat	0.6 g	2%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	12.7 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	6.1 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	3 g	12%
Sugars	0.5 g	1%
Protein	0.8 g	1%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Herbal Infusion: Experiment with other herbs in the sugar syrup. Thyme, lavender, or even basil can add unique flavor profiles.
Citrus Twist: Try different citrus fruits in place of lemon. Grapefruit, lime, or orange can offer interesting variations.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of rosemary sugar syrup to your desired level of sweetness.
Vodka Alternative: While a vodka martini is classic, consider trying this recipe with a high-quality gin for a different flavor profile.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the rosemary syrup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended. The rosemary syrup can be made up to two weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Q: What if I can’t find lemon-infused vodka?
A: You can use regular vodka and add a splash of lemon extract or muddle a small piece of lemon peel into the shaker before adding the other ingredients.

Q: Is there a substitute for Splenda in the rosemary syrup?
A: Yes, you can use regular sugar, but be aware that this will affect the calorie and carbohydrate content of the drink.

Q: Can I rim the glass with sugar or salt?
A: The original “Rosy Cheeks” martini did not have a rim. It is better to let the flavors of the drink shine without distraction. However, if you prefer a rim, use a fine sugar.

Q: How do I prevent the rosemary from clogging my blender?
A: If you have a smaller blender, chop the rosemary leaves roughly before adding them. You can also pulse the blender in short bursts to avoid over-processing.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Ocean Blvd Tribute Martini transports you to the sun-kissed shores of the Outer Banks, just as it does for me. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the flavors and make it your own. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this martini is the perfect way to add a touch of coastal charm to your day. Share your creations and feedback with me – I’d love to hear how you’ve personalized this recipe! Cheers to good memories and great drinks!

Ocean Blvd Tribute Martini Recipe