In the summertime, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a zesty, cooling cocktail. Among all, the lemon drop drink rules the roost! This simple cocktail combines the tartness of lemon, the bite of vodka, and the sweetness of sugar to give you a smooth, sweet-sour drink perfect for sipping on a hot, sunny afternoon.
This drink boasts not only an irresistible taste but also an intriguing history. The lemon drop was invented in the 1970s in San Francisco, at a time when lemon-flavored sweets were a big deal. The cocktail was named after these popular candies and aimed to capture their addictive sweet-tart flavor. If you’re not already a fan, this lemon drop drink recipe will undoubtedly make you one.
Ingredients for the Lemon Drop Drink
For a standard cocktail serving, here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 ounces of vodka
- 1 ounce of lemon juice (preferably fresh)
- 1 ounce of simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Sugar for rimming the glass
- 1 lemon slice for garnish
Please note that the ingredients are for one serving, so you’ll need to multiply the quantities as per the number of servings.
Instructions for Making the Lemon Drop Drink
With your ingredients in hand, follow these steps:
- Begin by chilling your martini glass. Fill it up with ice cubes or place it in your freezer for about 10 minutes. A chilled glass will help your cocktail stay cooler for longer.
- While your glass is chilling, pour sugar onto a flat surface. Cut a lemon into wedges and run one of the wedges around the rim of your glass.
- Dip the wet rim in sugar until it is fully coated. This adds a sweet edge to your cocktail and also gives it a sophisticated look.
- Take a cocktail shaker and fill it half-full with ice. Pour in the vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. The simple syrup is what gives your cocktail a balanced sweetness, contrasting beautifully with the tartness of the lemon. If you don’t have simple syrup, you can quickly make it by boiling equal parts of sugar and water until all the sugar is dissolved.
- Give your cocktail shaker a vigorous shake for about 15-20 seconds. The shaking not only mixes all the ingredients but also gives the cocktail a slightly frothy texture.
- Remove your chilled glass from the freezer, or dump out the ice if that’s how you chilled it, then strain the shaken mixture into it. Leave some room at the top.
- Garnish your cocktail with a slice of lemon, and your lemon drop drink is ready to serve!
Enjoy your lemon drop drink, sipping slowly to trigger every taste bud with the captivating combination of sweet, sour, and strong! Remember, the key to a perfect lemon drop drink recipe lies in using good-quality, fresh ingredients. It really does make all the difference! So, get mixing, and let the refreshing wave of a lemon drop cocktail wash over you. Cheers!
