Martini mastery at 3800 Ocean

Ignore this one; go with J's

By PAMELA BARKER
North Palm Beach Life
northpalmlife@gmail.com

When Damon Runyon penned, The Lemon Drop Kid, who knew there would come a time when that moniker would conjure up an entirely different image than the one in his short story?

But, yeah stuff happens, doesn't it?

With apologies to Mr. Runyon, I do think of his title when I see a creative mixologist conjure up magic in a cocktail shaker at 3800 Ocean at the Singer Island Marriott and Spa.

The name is Javaine ("J" for short), and he may not appreciate me thinking of him as The Lemon Drop Kid, but it fits in this instance. But, I have another title for him you will see in a second.

Let me break it down.

The Lemon Drop is our absolute favorite (well, it is a tie with the French Martini) cocktail. The difficultly with this libation?

Our quest to discover the consistently best Lemon Drop Martini in the Palm Beaches has proven to be a challenge. A big one.

Although a little plaque in our kitchen with the recipe makes it look short, sweet, and incredibly easy. It really is not, for us or for the pros we encounter.

The exception?

Master J. See I told you he had another appropriate title.

So, we set out on a mission to get his recipe, video him and see if we can duplicate his Lemon Drop masterpiece.

Thanks, Master J (The Lemon Drop Kid), for shaking our Lemon Drop Martini to perfection and sharing your secrets. 

We are pretty certain our home-spun Lemon Drop will come in a distant second to yours!

---

J only uses fresh-squeezed lemons, of course!

Every martini deserves a good shake!

Comments

Sounds absolut- ly lucious. What a great guy to share his mix. --R.B.

Love a good lemon drop and the Marriott is a great place for happy hour! -- Don G.

Yummy!! I so want one right now, five o'clock somewhere??!! --S.E.
​

Let's get started ...

Give it a good shake ...

Ready to pour ...

Enjoy!

Sugar on the rim is a must!

 J's Perfect Lemon Drop Martini

2 oz. Absolut Citron vodka
1 oz. Cointreau
1 oz. Lemon juice (fresh-squeezed)
Splash of citrus simple syrup

Shake vigorously with ice, apply sugar to the rim of the glass and garnish with a lemon wedge.