She Strengthens

The Smooth Operator: Unraveling the Mystique of the Lemon Drop Cocktail

A Taste of Contrasts
The Lemon Drop is a vodka-based cocktail that masterfully balances the sweetness of sugar with the tartness of lemon, creating a flavor profile that’s both refreshing and deceivingly potent. This clever concoction has undergone numerous transformations over the years, taking on various forms as both a cocktail and a shooter, with ingredients that have evolved to suit the times.

A Blast from the Past
The Lemon Drop’s origins can be traced back to the iconic singles bars of the late 1960s, where its laid-back vibe and trendy clientele made it a staple of the era. These fern bars, with their plush couches and Tiffany-style lamps, were the epitome of cool, capitalizing on the free-spirited nature of the Age of Aquarius. The Lemon Drop was just one of the many indulgences that promised peace, harmony, and a carefree night out.

A Drink of Deception
Beware, for this drink is not as innocent as it seems. Its silky smooth texture and sweet-tart flavor can sneak up on you, leaving you reeling from its potent punch. To avoid falling prey to its charms, it’s essential to strike the right balance between sugar and lemon. Too much sweetness can overpower the drink, making it a saccharine nightmare.

The Evolution of a Classic
Over time, the Lemon Drop has undergone a transformation, aligning itself more closely with the sophisticated Cosmopolitan. Today, you can enjoy this drink in various ways, from sipping it like straight tequila – downing a sugar-rimmed shot glass of cold citrus vodka followed by a bite into a lemon wedge – to savoring it as a refined cocktail.

Recipe for Success

Classic Lemon Drop

• Sugar for rimming
• 3 ounces lemon-infused (citron) vodka
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Lemon wedge

Variation: The Refined Drop

• Sugar for rimming
• 2 1/2 ounces lemon-infused (citron) vodka
• 1/2 ounce Cointreau or Triple Sec
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Lemon wedge

Instructions for Both Recipes

1. Rim a chilled cocktail glass lightly with lemon juice and sugar.
2. Shake vodka and lemon juice with ice, then strain into the cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Timing is Everything

• Yield: 1 drink
• Difficulty: Easy
• Total Time: Under 5 minutes
• Active Time: Under 5 minutes