The lemon drop is a popular lemon-flavored cocktail that has been around since the mid-20th century. It is a simple drink typically made with vodka, lemon juice, and sugar. The sweet and sour flavor profile makes it a refreshing and tasty cocktail option. But where exactly did the lemon drop originate? There are a few different stories about the history and creation of this cocktail.
Possible Origins in the 1950s
One potential origin story dates the lemon drop back to the 1950s in Southern California. Some stories suggest it was invented by a bartender at The Pump Room in Hollywood. This elegant restaurant and bar opened in 1938 and was a popular spot with old Hollywood stars and celebrities. It’s possible a bartender there combined vodka, lemon juice, and sugar to create an early version of the lemon drop. The cocktail may have been named after lemon drop candies, which were popular at the time.
Another account credits the inventor as Henry Africa, a Los Angeles bartender who worked at several bars and restaurants in the 1950s. As the story goes, he created the cocktail specially for Marilyn Monroe, who frequented his bar at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The lemon drop was supposedly named after her observation that sipping it was “just like sucking on a lemon drop!” This is an intriguing origin story, but hard to verify as no recipe exists from Africa himself.
The Lemon Drop at The Trident in Sausalito
In the 1960s, San Francisco’s Trident restaurant claims to have popularized the modern version of the lemon drop. Located in the city’s Sausalito neighborhood, The Trident was opened in 1966 by abandoned hippie culture. It became known for its tropical drinks and signature cocktails.
According to The Trident, owner Bill Graham hired bartender Joseph Jay Jones in the late 1960s to come up with new cocktail recipes. Jones claims he perfected the restaurant’s version of the lemon drop, which then appeared on their menu. This recipe added an element of sweetness by dipping the rim of the glass in sugar. The Trident’s lemon drop quickly became a sensation with locals and visiting tourists. As the restaurant grew into a North Beach icon, its version of the lemon drop spread in popularity.
Skepticism Around Origins and Recipes
While these stories help highlight the lemon drop’s likely creation in the postwar era, cocktail historians have struggled to verify any single origin story. Part of the issue is that recipes varied widely in early versions. Some were simple combinations of spirit, lemon, and sweetener. Others added ingredients like egg whites or chamomile syrup.
This variability makes it difficult to pin down the “original” or “authentic” version. It seems more plausible that bartenders throughout the 1950s and ’60s riffed on the basic concept of mixing vodka and lemon. The consistent thread was the overall sweet-tart flavor profile.
The Lemon Drop’s Popularity and Variations
Regardless of origins, the lemon drop grew steadily in popularity through the 1970s and ’80s. It became a menu staple at restaurants and bars, particularly in California where it was likely created. The Trident continued serving its famous version, and travelers helped spread the cocktail’s fame.
As the lemon drop proliferated, more variations emerged. These included:
- Using gin or rum instead of vodka
- Adding flavors like raspberries or cranberries
- Shaking with egg white for additional frothiness
- Sweetening with simple syrup, triple sec, or even honey instead of basic sugar
The basic concept of the drink proved adaptable to many tastes and ingredients. Over time, the lemon drop became ingrained into the broader cocktail culture.
The Lemon Drop Today
While no longer as trendy as in past decades, the lemon drop remains popular today. It can be found on most mainstream bar menus and is commonly ordered at happy hours or brunch cocktails.
The modern standard recipe is:
- 1 1⁄2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1⁄2 ounce simple syrup
- Lemon wedge garnish
The sugar-rimmed glass also remains a signature presentation in most cases. Popular variations include using citrus-flavored vodkas or complementing with raspberry liqueur.
Conclusion
The origins of the lemon drop cocktail remain somewhat murky, with several bartenders and restaurants claiming credit for its invention. It likely emerged in the postwar era as vodka became more readily available and lemon juice a common ingredient. What is clear is that its balance of sweet and sour flavors made it a refreshing drink that succeeded on bar menus everywhere. The lemon drop’s popularity has made it a modern classic that has stood the test of time, even as tastes and trends have evolved. Its simplicity and adaptability ensure it remains a staple drink still delighted in today.