Dropping by for Spring

The bright fruity flavors of a Blueberry Lemon Drop satisfy the senses and signal the arrival of spring.

They say that you eat — and drink — with your eyes first. Decadent chocolate cake, saucy spaghetti and meatballs, or luscious lemon pie can seemingly be tasted before you ever take that first bite, making your mouth water and your expectations grow.

That’s what happens when you experience a Blueberry Lemon Drop, a martini glass filled with a sweet, slightly tart cocktail that hits all the right notes. Dry ice is added to the glass for dramatic effect, causing the cocktail to bubble like a cauldron and emit thin wisps of fog. It is almost too pretty to taste.

After just one sip, you realize that it tastes even better than it looks. A combination of vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, triple sec and blueberries, it’s a flavorful variation of a classic lemon drop cocktail.

Many would consider a Lemon Drop to be a martini; after all, it is served in a martini glass. But it lacks the dry vermouth that is needed to place it in that category. And adding blueberries to the equation takes this classic to a whole new level.

Triple sec is a popular addition to many cocktails, especially margaritas, as it is a vehicle for imparting a bold orange flavor into drinks. This comes from the orange peels from which it is made. Triple sec, along with the lemon juice, enhances the fruity flavors of a Blueberry Lemon Drop and balances the sweetness of the simple syrup.

Serve these inviting spring cocktails at any gathering — there’s no need to wait for a special occasion. They are delicious with seafood and poultry at a dinner party but can also be a delightful companion to a rich dessert. They are indeed a great way to celebrate the arrival of spring!

Print Recipe

Blueberry Lemon Drop

The bright fruity flavors of a Blueberry Lemon Drop satisfy the senses and signal the arrival of spring.

Course

Drink

Cuisine

cocktail

Keyword

blueberry, lemon, vodka

Servings

drinks

Ingredients

• 4 ounces vodka or blueberry vodka
• 2 ounces lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 ounces blueberry simple syrup (see recipe below)
• 1 ounce triple sec
• granulated sugar on a plate for rimming the glasses
• blueberries and lemon twists for garnish
• dry ice (found in many larger grocery stores near the frozen food section)

Course Drink Cuisine cocktail Keyword blueberry, lemon, vodka Servings drinks Ingredients 4 ounces vodka or blueberry vodka 2 ounces lemon juice, freshly squeezed 2 ounces blueberry simple syrup (see recipe below) 1 ounce triple sec granulated sugar on a plate for rimming the glasses blueberries and lemon twists for garnish dry ice (found in many larger grocery stores near the frozen food section)

Instructions

1. Make the blueberry simple syrup by combining equal parts blueberries, sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat and stir until the blueberries burst. Strain the mixture and allow it to cool completely.
2. Chill the martini glasses before serving.
3. Remove the glasses from the refrigerator and run a lemon wedge around the rims, then dip the rims in the sugar.
4. In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, lemon juice, blueberry simple syrup and triple sec. Cover and shake for 15 seconds. Using the cocktail strainer, pour the mixture between two glasses.
5. Garnish each glass with whole blueberries and a twist of lemon peel. Add a few cubes of dry ice to each glass and serve.
6. Note: Use food-safe gloves and tongs when adding dry ice to your drinks and never swallow it, as it should not touch your skin.