"We've been friends for so long I've forgotten which one of us is the bad influence." This was the quote on the front of the birthday card sent from my dearest friend this past September. I couldn't help but laugh out loud. Not only because it was funny, but because it was kind of true. We both have our stories of the times when one of us were 'bad' influences on the other. Lucky for me this is my blog so you don't get to hear her stories, just mine. One of my favorites happened when we were attending a conference in San Diego many, many years ago. It was at a beautiful restaurant in Balboa Park where I had my first French Martini and at George's in La Jolla where I had my first Lemon Drop Martini. Apparently I loved those martinis so much, but particularly the Lemon Drop, I uncharacteristically (and a bit irresponsibly) drank several of them in a single day. To say all of my friends were shocked would be an understatement. Of course, I blamed my friend for my over-indulging deep dive into the martini world. Although secretly I was happy she introduced me to beverages I had been too intimated to try before. In addition to learning what my martini limit was (and I was then and still am a lightweight), I can never drink a martini without thinking about where I had my first ones and who it was that introduced me to them.
There are four martini recipes on the blog. But believe it or not, there isn't a recipe for a Lemon Drop Martini here! Many of you might have your own favorite Lemon Drop Martini recipe, but you might not have one for a Pink Lemon Drop Martini. So let me be the one to introduce you to this pretty in pink, delicious, slightly tart, refreshing cocktail.
Great cocktails require and are made with great ingredients. In addition to homemade simple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a fresh ripe raspberry, a high quality, smooth vodka and a great orange liqueur (e.g., Grand Marnier or Cointreau) are the keys to the absolute best Pink Lemon Drop Martini. The vodka is the bedrock of this martini, so choose wisely. I happen to like Grey Goose Vodka, but there other premium vodkas out there to help you create the most luscious, high-end martini. The kind found at bars that take making craft cocktails seriously.
The Pink Lemon Drop Martini might be the most perfect cocktail to welcome the return of warmer weather. Not only is it easy to make, it makes a great impression when served. The tartness of the lemon juice is slightly tempered by the sweetness of the simple syrup. While the combination of the vodka and orange liqueur round out all of the flavors to give the martini its' refreshing, balanced, smooth flavor.
If you are having a large group of friends over, make up a pitcher of them shortly before everyone arrives. So you can spend your time mingling rather than mixing.
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More than likely the raspberry will break into pieces when it's shaken up in the cocktail shaker. If you want to serve a clear, pink martini, strain the mixture before pouring it into your martini or coupe glass (I strained mine). Then simply garnish the martini with some fresh raspberries or, if you prefer, a lemon slice or swirl.
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Sometimes described as a 'tart adult lemonade' the Lemon Drop Martini, is a great cocktail if you enjoy ones having a hint of sweetness paired with a little bit of a pucker. But be aware the cocktail's sweet flavor can easily lead you down the path of over indulgence if you aren't careful. Take it from someone who knows!
The only real difference between this Pink Lemon Drop Martini and the classic Lemon Drop Martini is its' color. But the pink color is what makes this cocktail feel more festive, more celebratory, and even more alluring. If there is one 'new' cocktail you want to serve to your friends this spring and summer, it should be this one! This adult version of 'pink lemonade' is guaranteed to impress!
Recipe
Pink Lemon Drop Martini
Makes 1 delicious cocktail
Ingredients
2 ounces high quality, unflavored vodka
1/2 ounce chilled simple syrup (preferably homemade, see notes)
1/2 ounce Grand Marnier (or other orange liqueur such as Cointreau)
1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 fresh raspberry
Ice cubes
2-3 raspberries for garnish
Directions
1. Pour in the vodka, simple syrup, Grand Marnier, lemon juice, and raspberry into a cocktail shaker.
2. Add 8-10 ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 30-35 seconds.
3. Strain and pour into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with fresh raspberries or a lemon slice or swirl.
4. Serve and enjoy! And as always, drink responsibly.
Notes: (1) To make the simple syrup mix equal parts water and granulated sugar (e.g., 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar0 into a saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring frequently until the sugar has dissolved. Immediately remove from the heat. Let cool. Pour into a jar. Cover and chill. (2) If you don't have any Grand Marnier or Cointreau, you could use Triple Sec but your martini may not have the same high-end martini wow factor. (3) If you like a sugared rim to your martini, slide a wedge of lemon around the rim of the glass and then tilt the glass into granulated sugar.