When it comes to gift giving, I usually prefer to give, than to receive.
I’m not being dishonest or altruistic, it’s just that I usually put a lot of thought into the gift I give, and I get so much out of seeing the joy on the recipient’s face when they see the present they’ve been given. However, there have been several times when I have received such a gift myself, and I have been just as elated!
One of these memorable gifts was given to me by two of my friends, Vicki and Kelly (sisters) who came to a surprise party that my husband threw for me when I became a US citizen, several years ago.
A few weeks prior, I had gone to my friend Vicki’s house after our sons’ baseball game, and she asked what I would like to drink. I agreed to a glass of wine, but another friend chose to have a Lemon Drop Martini which Vicki made using freshly picked lemons off the tree outside, and insisted I try a sip. Well, all I can say was I was so disappointed that I’d chosen to have wine! It was one of the best drinks I’d ever tasted.
It was perfectly “lemon-y” without being too sour, and the alcohol was almost indistinguishable in the cocktail! The sugar-rimmed glass was the crowning glory, and I could totally understand why it was called a “Lemon Drop Martini” because it actually gave the sensation of, and tasted like a lemon drop candy. Vicki ended up making me my own cocktail that night, so that was it: I was hooked.
Back to my wonderful gift; Vicki realized how much I loved the Lemon Drop Martini, and must have suggested to her sister that they use it as a theme for my present! It was a lovely basket containing two martini glasses, fresh lemons, a little bag of Baker’s Sugar, a bottle of Ketel One Citroen Vodka and this recipe card…
I have a picture of the basket somewhere, and if I come across it, I’ll add it to this post, but it was so beautifullly wrapped, and I still remember the colors of yellow and pink, standing out against the rest of the basket’s contents. I didn’t open it for days, as I just wanted to gaze at it!
I eventually did open it (I didn’t want the lemons to rot in that gorgeous basket) and although the bottle of vodka, sugar and lemons are long gone, I still have the glasses, recipe card, and most importantly, the memory of such a beautiful gift, lovingly prepared with so much care and thoughtfulness.
However, this was just the start of many more memories to come from that glorious gift!
There were Lemon Drops at Angela’s 1940s themed 40th Birthday Party, and as you can see, they were a huge hit!
My beautiful friend, Angela!
Enjoying a Lemon Drop Martini at Angela’s party.
My husband (on the computer screen) and my cousin with her husband of only one day, drinking Lemon Drop Martinis using the same lemons, Ketel One vodka, and same glasses over Skype, between London and Los Angeles!
Barbeques with family, in England, with Lemon Drop Martinis.
My cousin Dario (in green) is getting married tomorrow! Congratulations, Dario, to you and your bride!
And many other “no reason for a Lemon Drop, but we’re having one anyway” occasions!
Thanks for the memories, Vicki and Kelly!
Lemon Drop Martinis are now my signature cocktail, and I must say, they are absolutely top-notch when made with Meyer lemons, freshly picked off our tree. I’ve tried other vodkas and spirits, but in this drink, nothing compares to Ketel One Citroen Vodka, so try to stay true to this recipe for the best results. You can put less sugar if you prefer; in fact, my cousin likes his with no sugar whatsoever! It’s much too sour for me this way, but he loves them. It’s important to use the fine sugar or granulated sugar may not melt completely.
You can also make virgin LDMs by omitting the vodka and using water instead, so it’s basically lemonade in a sugar-rimmed glass, but children and those not wanting to partake in drinking alcohol (e.g. designated drivers)* can also enjoy the “lemon-drop” experience.
The Best Lemon Drop Martini You’ll Ever Have…
makes one martini
- 2 shots Ketel One Citroen Vodka
- juice of 1/2 lemon (fresh Meyer lemons are best)
- 2 teaspoons Baker’s (extra-fine) Sugar
- (extra sugar for rimming glass)
Rub the edge of a martini glass with half a lemon.
Then dip in Baker’s Sugar in a plate to rim the glass.
Shake all ingredients together with ice in a martini shaker approximately 50 times.
Pour into sugar rimmed glass and enjoy!
*Please don’t drink and drive!
My neighbor’s nanny just lost her son (who was a husband, and father of two) to a drunk driver. It’s utterly senseless.
Don’t miss another post! Sign up for my free subscription HERE, but make sure to look for the
Feedburner confirmation email or you’ll get nothing, nada, niente and zippo in your mailbox!
(I promise not to sell or share your info, ever!)
Sue Crum
wrote on
My husband and I made these Lemon Drop cocktails for New Year’s Eve (made more than one!!). Such a refreshing drink with an incredible lemony taste! It will be our “go to drink” when entertaining. Thank you for sharing such a great recipe, Christina, and for sharing all your other great recipes! Happy New Year!
Christina
wrote on
Thank YOU, Sue! It’s absolutely lovely to hear positive things about my posts and recipes. I’m so glad you enjoyed the lemon drops! Happy New Year!
Nikki
wrote on
I absolutely hate having to scroll to the end of this “stories” to get the recipe!! I could care less about what inspired the recipe! Then to top it off, you post about a drunk driver…
Hugh Jass
wrote on
@Nikki, I’m concerned for you. Please let me know immediately who is physically forcing you to read/scroll through this blog that you obviously dislike so very much. It must be awful having to suffer the overuse injuries to your fingers resultant from such excessive scrolling through these stories. I would recommend you submit a formal complaint to the Bevy of Interested Tourists Court House. They take a keen interest in victimization cases like yours.
Glad you’re angry about a PSA regarding drunk driving on New Year’s Eve. Do you live in such isolation that this isn’t a potential problem in your area, or are you just strongly in favor of keeping the roads as dangerous as possible? I urge you to reconsider before posting such self-centered criticisms of another person’s efforts to positively contribute to the world of internet recipes.
Thanks for spreading the holiday cheer,
HughJ
Nikki
wrote on
Please…They always have to give their life story about how the recipe came to be…I don’t care how or where they got it from or whatever they are bragging about…Now, please move along little boy
Christina
wrote on
Nikki,
It’s obvious to me that you’re angry at the world and have nothing better to do than take the time to spread your anger and ignorance on the internet where no one can respond to you in person (lucky for you).
I hope you resolve whatever your issues are so you can have a happier 2017! Good luck!
Lisa Davis
wrote on
Best lemon drop ever! Preparing for any holiday can be to say the least stressful! I was surfing the internet prparing for our preholiday feast and came across this recipe. It looked like a nice addition and so simple for our holiday gathering. I went out and purchased the ingredients. Wow! What a wonderful treat. I will recommend that its necessary to use a shaker, big mistake if you don’t, waste too much ! Now my next purchase will be a martini shaker!! Best and happiest of holidays to you all!
Christina
wrote on
Thank you so much, Lisa!! I just LOVE these lemon drops, but yes, a shaker is a necessity to make them! So glad you discovered them and hope you enjoy some more of my recipes! Happy holidays to you, too! :)
Kathy
wrote on
Lemon drop martinis have been my signature drink for years. They are amazing. I make them with Splenda, so they are even lower in calories and carbs. To drink a Lemon Drop is to celebrate life
Christina
wrote on
They really are great cocktails, Kathy!!
The Best Frozen Lemon Drop Martini (Slush) You’ll Ever Have (a Margarita-style Icy Lemon Drop!)
wrote on
[…] of my most popular posts is “The Best Lemon Drop Martini You’ll Ever Have…”, which of course, contains the recipe for this cool […]
Fresh Strawberry Lemon Drop Martinis
wrote on
[…] been making The Best Lemon Drop Martini You’ll Ever Have for years […]
Cristiano
wrote on
Great story and great sounding drink! Will be trying this out at our next bbq – a refreshing change from pimms :) Ciao!
Christina
wrote on
Oh you’ll be hooked, Cristiano! Let me know what you think! :)
Your new Honey-Do list! | Drinks at Six
wrote on
[…] I suggest starting with two that will have you buzzing like a bee? My personal favourite is the Honey Lemon Drop Martini but I’ve heard The Bee’s Knees cocktail, made with gin, lemon and honey is a favourite amongst […]
Kevin
wrote on
Great drink! Just made one. Added to my favorite list. Thanks for sharing.
Christina
wrote on
Isn’t it fantastic, Kevin?! Be careful, though…they’re more dangerous than you think! Haha! Glad you like it! CC
Nancy@SeasonsOfJoy
wrote on
Thank you for this! I made them with vanilla vodka, a bit of Limoncello, and a splash of tonic. SO GOOD!!!!!
Christina
wrote on
Wow! That sounds fabulous, Nancy! Thanks for letting me know! Enjoy! CC
Homemade Cranberry Lemonade, Some News and A New Look!
wrote on
[…] summer afternoon! Here are some other super, summer drinks you can make (all contain alcohol)~ The Best Lemon Drop Martini You’ll Ever Have… White Wine Summer Sangria Spritzer Denisa’s Pimm’s Cup Older PostGreat Expectations: […]
Zoe
wrote on
Cheers, Christina! Thank you so much for this wonderful gift! Will love to try this Martini recipe definitely for boozy parties :D
Christina Conte
wrote on
Ha ha! Yes, it can also be for boozy parties! Wish I could join you when you do! :) CC
Mario Martinez
wrote on
Ciao Christina. Grazie for stopping by and visiting. I am now following your blog. Love the martini!
Christina Conte
wrote on
Wonderful, thank you, Mario! CC
Medeja
wrote on
What a wonderful present! :) Really present from the heart and something they knew you would love.
I am not a fan of martini myself so maybe I should try this lemon drop martini ;)
Christina Conte
wrote on
Yes, these taste nothing like an authentic martini, more like “adult lemonade!”
Mimi
wrote on
Looks elegant!
Christina Conte
wrote on
Thanks, Mimi! ;)
apuginthekitchen.com
wrote on
Oh I love this, I am going to try it. Will infuse some vodka with lemon and make these. I love your post and congratulations on becoming a citizen, your photo’s are just beautiful and your lemon drop martini has a wonderful history with your family, Just beautiful.
Cathy
wrote on
what a great idea apuginthekitchen.com! off to infuse!
apuginthekitchen.com
wrote on
Thanks Cathy, use a vegetable peeler and strip the skin off the lemon avoiding the pith. I just drop the skin of an entire lemon in a bottle of vodka and let it sit, for at least 48 hours then strain and back in the freezer, Works really well.
Christina Conte
wrote on
Thanks so much, Suzanne! I’m sure you’ll enjoy them, because I just don’t know how anyone could NOT enjoy them! ;) Thanks for giving Cathy the tips (you should check out her blog too, she is JUST an amazing cook and photographer!) Here is a dessert she made last October and I could not believe how incredible it tasted; definitely put this on your “to make” list! http://www.cathyarkle.com/shepaused4thought/the-great-pumpkin-party/
Cathy
wrote on
I only have regular Ketel One, will it still taste as good? You are going to laugh, but I use it to make vanilla.
Christina Conte
wrote on
Still tastes good, Cathy, but you know what we bloggers are like-it CAN be even better!! Suzanne’s (apuginthekitchen) idea is great, let me know how they turn out! (That’s the first step to making Limoncello, btw.) Oh, and why would I laugh, I just made vanilla with Belvedere vodka! :)