New Cocktail Recipe Lemon Drop

New Cocktail Recipe Lemon Drop

I love anything made with lemon and out of all of the citrus fruits, I find the lemon to be the most refreshing. There is something about the scent; it cuts through other flavors and just says fresh. That is probably why I like lemon in just about all of my food and lemon drinks. Our lemon drop martini recipe absolut citron is a fav for gatherings. Like, seriously. It is that good. We love this lemontini recipe with limoncello. We hope that this Cocktail Recipe Lemon Drop post inspires you. 

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Cocktail Recipe Lemon Drop

Serving one 8oz drink – Make a pitcher of lemon drop martinis by quadrupling this recipe

Ingredients

• 1 oz limoncello
• 1 ½ oz Citron vodka
• 1 oz sweet and sour mix or lemonade
• Sprite
• Lemon slices into wheels
• Lemon balm for garnish

Directions

1. Fill your glass with ice.
2. Add your lemon wheels into the glass on the inside edge
3. Add your limoncello, vodka, and sweet and sour in a martini shaker filled with 3-4 pieces of ice.
4. Shake to combine, now pour mix over your ice in the glass.
5. Fill the remainder of the glass with Sprite
6. Add a Lemon balm sprig as garnish

Print Recipe

Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 oz limoncello
• 1 ½ oz Citron vodka
• 1 oz sweet and sour mix
• Sprite
• Lemon slices into wheels
• Lemon balm for garnish

Directions:

1. Fill your glass with ice.
2. Add your lemon wheels into glass on the inside edge
3. Add your limoncello, vodka, and sweet and sour in a martini shaker filled with3-4 pieces of ice.
4. Shake to combine, now pour mix over your ice in the glass.
5. Fill remainder of glass with Sprite
6. Add a Lemon balm sprig as garnish

History of the Lemon Drop

The refreshing and tart Lemon Drop cocktail history is just as sweet and sour as its taste. 

Sunshiny San Francisco Origins

The Lemon Drop was most likely born sometime in the 1970s in the heart of San Francisco. The creator is suspected to be Norman Jay Hobday, the flamboyant owner of a unique fern bar called Henry Africa's. This “fern bar” concept, popular back then, catered to women and young singles with its bright decor and playful drinks.

Bunny PEEPS Easter Martini

A Sweet and Sour Inspiration

While the exact inspiration for the Lemon Drop remains a mystery, some speculate it was a play on the classic Sidecar cocktail, but swapping the Cognac for vodka and amping up the citrus to attract a new audience. Others believe it was simply a desire to create a sweet and sour, dessert-like drink for female clientele.

From Cocktail Glass to Shot Glass

Originally, the Lemon Drop was served in a traditional cocktail glass, but its popularity quickly spread beyond Henry Africa's. Over time, it made its way into other San Francisco saloons, and by the early 1990s, it was often served in smaller shot glasses as a quick and tangy option.

The Sugar Rim and Beyond

To balance the tartness and enhance the presentation, the sugar rim became a signature element. The Lemon Drop's bright colors and sweet-sour profile resonated with a wide range of drinkers, making it a staple at bars and even home gatherings.

A Legacy of Refreshment

Today, the Lemon Drop remains a beloved cocktail, enjoyed in both its classic and modern variations. From traditional recipes with vodka and Cointreau to fruity twists with berries or cucumber, its spirit of playful tang continues to delight.

Fun Facts

• The name “Lemon Drop” likely comes from the popular candy of the same name, perfectly capturing the drink's sweet and sour essence.
• Some theories suggest a connection to the 1963 song “Lemon Drop Twists” by Burl Ives, but their connection remains uncertain.
• The Lemon Drop played a role in revitalizing bar culture in the 1970s by appealing to a wider audience and encouraging lighter, sweeter drinks.

The next time you raise a glass of this citrusy concoction, remember its sunny San Francisco beginnings and its legacy of bringing a tangy twist to cocktail history! Pretty simple! This is one of my favorite drinks; the lemon drop martini recipe absolut citron just puts the flavor over the top. Best of all, it's pretty easy to batch this drink. Just premix the limoncello, vodka, and sour mix. Chill the mixture and just pour over ice with a splash of Sprite as needed. We hope that you are inspired by this Cocktail Recipe Lemon Drop. Happy creating!