Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
The Lemon Drop Martini was created in the 1970s at Henry Africa's bar in San Francisco by Norman Jay Hobday. The cocktail was inspired by the lemon drop candy, aiming to replicate its sweet and tangy flavor in a drink form. The Lemon Drop Martini quickly gained popularity and has since become a classic cocktail enjoyed around the world.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Cocktail strainer
- Martini glass
- Citrus juicer (optional, but recommended)
- Plate or shallow dish (for rimming the glass)
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Lemon twist or slice, for garnish
- Ice cubes
- Sugar, for rimming the glass (optional)
Instructions
- Set up the glass: Begin by rimming your martini glass with sugar if you prefer a sugared edge for your Lemon Drop Martini. Put a tiny bit of sugar on a shallow dish or plate. After rubbing a lemon slice around the glass's rim to moisten it, dip the rim into the sugar to coat it completely. Put the glass down.
- Juice the Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is key to a great lemon Drop Martini. Use a citrus juicer to extract the juice from a fresh lemon. Measure out 1 ounce of lemon juice.
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 ounce of simple syrup. Simple syrup can be made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water, but store-bought works just as well.
- Shake: Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This chills the drink and blends the flavors.
- Strain: Remove the lid and use a cocktail strainer to pour the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon twist or a slice of lemon on the rim of the glass.
- Serve: Your Lemon Drop Martini is ready to enjoy. Cheers!