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.

Simple syrup recipe

1 Part Water
1 Part Sugar
(I personally prefer 1.5 parts sugar)

The higer ratio of sugar versus water will create a colloidal mixture making it a thicker yet almost tranlucid smooth liquid, softening the flavors and facilitating the mixing process when shaking/stirring your cocktails.

Not so simple syrup

Add lemon/lime juice

Ascorbic acid or citric acid will reduce the presence of any possible bacteria, not onlt that , but it will give it a refreshing taste. Squeeze half a lime or half a lemon per every liter of simple syrup.

Confectionery sugar versus refined sugar

Confectionery sugar allows for a higher ratio or sugar to water (3:1) when you are diluting the components.


Distilled water versus tap

Tap water contains some purifying agents and additives that might be noticeable in the final taste. It is worth to use distilled water instead (filtered water might work too) when possible.

Less than a drop of Vanilla

Add one drop of vanilla per every 4 liters of simple syrup. if you are just doing small batches of simple syrup, you can use a simple smear of it. More a drop every 4 liters will be very noticeable since we are talking of liquid than mixes two very basic flavors.


Strain and Bottle

Cooling your mix right is very important. Set it aside until room temperature. If you need to speed up the process, then put some ice water in your sink and place the pan on it, to speed up the cooling process.