As I was baking, roasting, simmering, and juicing lemons this week, I decided to play a little game. It's like when you used to watch Strange Brew and drink every time they said "Eh." But in my game, I had a drink every time I cooked with a lemon.
And here are the results:
Lemon Drop (Ina Garten's recipe)
I believe this is one of the trendiest chick drinks right now, and for a good reason. It is yummy... like grown-up lemonade. Very grown up. These babies are strong!
Pour a cup of very cold vodka, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/4 cup sugar into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well, strain into a martini glass, and garnish with a slice of lemon.
Lemon Margarita
I love love love margaritas. So, I decided to take this opportunity to see what would happen if I used lemon juice instead of lime juice to make my standard drink. It was a little tarter, but that is just fine with me.
Rub the rim of the glass with a slice of lemon, and dip into salt. Place 1 1/2 ounces lemon juice, 1 1/2 ounces good tequila, and 1 ounce triple sec into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well, and strain into a glass filled with ice cubes.
Whiskey Sour (Emeril Lagasse's recipe)
I think I found my new standard drink for ordering at a bar! I hate ordering something that sounds too girlie, but honestly, I like things that taste pretty girlie. Nothing too strong, nothing too bitter. Here it is:
In an old-fashioned glass with crushed ice, combine 4 ounces sour mix (see below) with 1 1/2 ounces whiskey. Add a cherry and enjoy!
Sour mix: 1 ounce lemon juice, 1 ounce sugar, 2 ounces water. Combine the lemon juice and sugar; add the water.
Vodka-balsmic-lemonadeI have to admit, I was a little nervous about trying this one. But now that I have tried it, I foresee a summer filled with these guys. One of its best features is the fact that you can easily make a whole pitcher -- or more -- of this lovely concoction, and that makes it great for any time you have some friends over. Once your guests arrive, there is nothing to do but pour.
one glass:
4 ounces lemonade
1 ounce vodka
1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
a pitcher:
4 cups lemonade
1 cup vodka
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
