Simple syrup: Combine sugar, water, peppercorns, ground pepper, scraped vanilla bean seeds/pod and thyme in a medium saucepan over med/high heat.

Bring to a rolling boil and stir until sugar is completely dissolved.

Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes.

Strain, using a fine mesh strainer and reserve simple syrup.

Make your martini: Combine 1 oz simple syrup, 3 oz vodka and 2 tsp lemon juice over ice in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously.

Poor into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a few pink peppercorns and a sprig of thyme.

You will have enough simple syrup for about 12 martinis and you can reserve unused syrup for several days covered, in the refrigerator.