Valentine's Lemon Drop

The Lemon Drops I made at Christmas were a tremendous hit with everyone, so I was excited to find a recipe for a Lemon Drop just for Valentine's Day.  This drink recipe is not complicated, and by adding pink sugar to the rim you can rally dress it up a bit. Enjoy, and Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Lemon Drop

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz orange liqueur
• 3/4 oz strawberry syrup (store bought or homemade*)

PREPARATION:
1. Dip the rim of a coupe glass in simple syrup and then firmly place it on a small plate covered in sugar. Ideally pink sugar. Place the glass in the freezer to set.

2. Add the vodka, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and strawberry syrup to a shaker. Add ice and shake until chilled.

3. Strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with 3 fresh strawberries (cut into heart shapes) on a skewer.

* Homemade Strawberry Syrup:

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 strawberries - halved
• 1/2 cup water

PREPARATION:

1. Add all three ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
3. Once the berries are soft, mash them gently to release the juice.
4. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
5. Remove from the het and allow to cool completely before straining.
6. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.