The Lemon Drop; a cocktail or a shot!

Born in the 1970’s the lemon drop is a drink inspired by an old style candy of the same name. As with most drinks it has had its waves of popularity. The ability of this drink to take on several different variations both in terms of the style of drink and also the evolution of ingredients both assist in holding the interest of the consumer.

A drink that can be offered in both a shot and a cocktail version is bound to come up in conversation at some point when several people are sitting around discussing drinks and drinking. The decision of the consumer to go with a shot or a cocktail really comes down to whether it is a quick taste, or a sipping sensation you are looking for.

A drink that has as many published variations as this drink is going to have some differences. After considerable reading I believe the drink may have began as a mixture of lemon juice, simple syrup or sugar and vodka. Evolutions come about when new products are introduced to old classics. Once Lemon, or citron, vodka became a thing the substitution just made logical sense. The addition of triple sec, while it does add an element of complexity seems a bit confusing; using an orange liqueur in a lemon drink does not seem necessary.

Lemon Drop Cocktail

Ingredients:

1 oz. lemon juice

.75 oz. triple sec

1.5 oz. citron vodka

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin with ice.

Shake vigorously until well chilled, approximately twenty shakes.

Strain into a sugar rimmed cocktail glass. (martini or rocks)

Serve.

This lemon forward drink is excellent for social occasions. Where some drinks have a cult following it is a safe bet that going with a cocktail consisting of sugar and citrus will please the crowd as a before dinner aperitif.