Lemon Drop
The Lemon Drop is an extremely approachable citrus-forward cocktail. Drawing significant inspiration from the cognac-based Sidecar, this bright and refreshing mixture of vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup is bound to please most anyone with its perfect balance between the sweet and tart ingredients. This cocktail is enhanced by the modest inclusion of Cointreau (a popular triple sec orange liqueur) to emphasize the citrus flavor and a touch of additional sweetness. However, if you want to give this cocktail even more citrus flavor, you can opt for a citron vodka; it is technically more traditional, but I find regular vodka does the trick. When it comes to preparing your cocktail, it is often shaken and served “up” in a chilled coupe glass garnished with a thin slice of lemon peel and the option of a sugar-rim. The sugar-rimmed glass is one of the more defining aspects of this cocktail, however, not critical, I recommend only putting sugar on only half of the rim of the glass to allow the option sip to sip. But don’t take my word for it, make one and try it for yourself!
Lemon Drop
In your shaker, combine the simple syrup, lemon juice, Cointreau, and vodka.
0.5 oz of Simple Syrup
0.75 oz of Lemon Juice
0.25 oz of Cointreau
2 oz of Vodka
Sugar the rim of your chilled coupe glass. Add ice to your shaker and shake until it develops a frost. Double-strain the contents (by pouring them from the shaker through a fine mesh strainer) into your chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a thin slice of lemon peel.
TIP(S):
Half-rim of sugar — rub the juiced lemon around half of the glass and gently rock the coupe glass in a dish of sugar.
Chill your cocktail coupe — to extend the life of your Lemon Drop, place your cocktail coupe in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can place ice water in your cocktail coupe cocktail glass during the preparation.
