A Lemon Drop Done Right

Meyer Lemon Drop

I approve of Lemon Drops only when the vodka is infused with real fruit, not “natural flavors,” and only when you float a little bubbly on top to knock back the sweetness. I’m not a fan of the sugar rim, but if you want to do it, run a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled martini glass, then dip the rim in sugar.

1.5 oz Hangar One Citron ‘Buddha’s Hand’ or Mandarin Blossom Vodka

.5 oz Cointreau

.5 oz Meyer lemon juice

Splash of sparkling wine

1 thin lemon slice

1 pansy with a small bit of stem attached.

Optional sugar for rim

Do the sugar rim if you are so inclined.  Shake the first three ingredients over ice and pour into a martini glass. Slowly pour sparkling wine on top so it floats. (Segura Viudas cava, a Spanish brut, works well and is available in small, single-serving bottles.)  Run the pansy stem through the center of the lemon slice and float that in the drink.