Lemon Drop Martini

This popular martini, but it actually based on a far forgotten drink, The White Lady (A gin based recipe, replace with vodka and you will have a Gentleman's Cosmopolitan, Replace the gin for brandy and you will have a Sidecar). 4 well-known martinis based on simple variations of the main alcohol while maintaining the accompanying ingredients. Their proportions on the recipe may vary according to the source and/or personal preferences.

There are many versions on this well-know shot/martini recipe. Some call for a equal parts on the four basic components, other recipes call for a dryer flavor, favoring the presence of vodka versus the secondary ingredients. Either way you will love the citrusy flavor and the sweet tones of a well done Lemon Drop Martini.

If you are in a rush and your homemade simple syrup dissapeared from your pantry or your fridge was raid and no lemons are to be found, if your Rose's Lime Juice has survived this catastrophe, feel free to replace them both with it. Fresh ingredients are preferred but this commercial lime juice will probably do just fine. No Rose's either?, then try the commercial Sweet & Sour Mix. Again, not my favorite idea but will do in a pinch.

 

Recipe 1 - Juan's Lemon Drop Martini (my own recipe)

• 3/4 oz vodka
• 3/4 oz orange liquor (triple sec, countreau or even gran manier)
  
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 3/4 oz sugar syrup
• dash of Vanilla Liquor
• dash of butterscotch schnapps
• 1 egg white
• lemon twist for garnish

 

Recipe 2

• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 1/4 oz orange liquor (triple sec, countreau or even gran manier)
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp sugar syrup
• lemon twist for garnish

 

Recipe 3

• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz orange liquor (triple sec, countreau or even gran manier)
  
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 toz sugar syrup
• lemon twist for garnish

 

PREPARATION

• Pour the vodka, orange  liquor, lemon juice and syrup (plus egg white if you are going for recipe 3) into a shaker with NO ice cubes.Shake well for 15-20 seconds to "cook" the ingredients.
• Add ice cubes and shake well to chill
• Sugar rim a chilled martini glass
• Strain into the aforementioned chilled martini glass
• Garnish with the lemon twist
• Zest a tiny bit of lemon peel (optional)

I understand if you favored any one of the citrus flavored/infused vodkas currently in the market. Although they may add some depth to the final flavor, nothing really replaces the use of fresh lime juice and homemade simple syrup.