9.07.2009

Labor Day Lemon Drops

Today is Labor Day, which means that you are supposed to be doing the opposite of laboring. Or, if you're like me, you are laboring, but you're also planning to squeeze in a bit of relaxation here and there.

One form of relaxation I plan to indulge in today takes the form of a lemon drop.


This is a martini made famous by Oprah (or so I hear) and perfected by my father, who gladly whips them up for the special ladies in his life (that's My Mom, My Sister, and I, in case you're wondering) upon request.

It is a bit tart and oh-so refreshing. And it seems like the perfect way to end a long Labor Day weekend, so I plan to make one (or maybe even two) tonight. In case you want to do the same, here's the recipe (it makes two drinks), courtesy of Oprah.com.


Mix the juice of 6 lemons, 4 tablespoons of sugar, and 4 shots of vodka in a martini shaker filled with ice. Shake well and pour into a sugar-rimmed martini glass. Garnish with mint (or, better yet, basil from the garden). Enjoy.

4 comments:

Jason said...

A vodka martini isn't.

It's that simple.

Julie said...

I actually considered adding a disclaimer to that effect, as I knew all the martini purists would be up in arms. I suppose it would have been more accurate to call it a "cocktail." But Oprah calls it a martini and who would dare question her?

(Conservative Boy really likes this one, by the way--martini or not.)

Jason said...

I was going to add something to that effect. There is an odd tendency to call anything served up (whether or not a martini actually should be is an open question) a martini. When questioned, those misusing the term typically resort to the argument "well, it IS almost all alcohol" to which one must respond that we have a perfectly good word (which is, incidentally, also often misused to refer to a highball) to refer to a mixture of spirits with flavoring and such; that word is "cocktail".

I dare question Oprah. As often as possible.

Julie said...

Even if anything that is almost all alcohol were to be considered a martini, then, this wouldn't fit the bill. It's mostly fresh-squeezed lemons.

Still, it's a very good cocktail. (Perhaps you should consider writing a missive setting Oprah straight. I think that would be an enjoyable read.)