Lemon Drop

Liqueurs are fast, easy and versatile libations that can be fun to make at home. Andrew Schloss reveals how to create recipes like this Lemon Drop in his book Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits.

Lemon Drop
Makes about 1 quart

1 1/2 c. vodka (80-100 proof)
1 c. dry vermouth (18% ABV)
Finely grated zest of 10 lemons
1 c. simple syrup (3/4 c. water combined with 3/4 c. granulated sugar, boiled on medium-high heat until sugar is dissolved, and then cooled)

Muddle the vodka, vermouth and lemon zest with a wooden spoon in a half-gallon jar. Stir to moisten the zest. Seal the jar and put it in a cool, dark cabinet until the liquid smells and tastes strongly of lemon, about seven days.

Strain the mixture with a mesh strainer into a clean quart jar. Do not push on the solids to extract more liquid. Stir in the simple syrup. Seal and store in a cool, dark cabinet. Use within one year.

Homemade Liqueurs and Infused Spirits by Andrew Schloss, photography by Leigh Beisch (Storey Publishing, 2013)