We’re always on the lookout for the perfect cocktail and here’s one we found in our very own backyard. Hannah’s Mom & Dad had given me a Meyer Lemon tree for my birthday and sure enough about 6 months later we’ve got some beautiful yellow Meyers on the tree. Hannah suggested we make lemon drops, which has to be the girliest drink of all time so I decided to class it up a bit. On my search for Lemon Drop recipes I came up this Roasted Lemon Martini Recipe (via). By using our Meyer Lemons and a few tweaks this cocktail came out rich, floral, slightly sweet and full of lemony-smoothness. I can’t wait to make these again. Here’s how:
Ingredients
- 1 roasted lemon, ends removed, cut into 4 thick slices
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces vodka (Tito’s Handmade Vodka is my favorite, available at Trader Joe’s and much to my delight all over Austin / SXSW)
To roast lemons
- First wash and dry the rinds, then slice each lemon into 4 thick slices. Bake them on a cookie sheet in a 325 degree oven for an hour, turning once.
Let cool before using.
To make the Roasted Meyer Lemon Drop
- Combine lemon slices, syrup and vodka over crushed ice in a shaker.
- Shake vigorously and strain into chilled martini glass.
Ideas for next time
- Since Meyer Lemons are smaller and have more sugar in them, next time I’ll try halves instead of 4 slices. This should help the Meyers hang onto a little more juice.
- To bring even more floral notes in from the garden I might try adding some fresh rosemary or basil.