When Life Serves Lemons – Make A Lemon Drop Martini in Destin

We know our extended family of staff, guests, owners, and clients are feeling the strain from COVID-19. If it feels like life is serving lemons, we recommend making a lemon drop martini! In fact, there are all kinds of delicious citrus delicacies that can be made out of lemons. Here are some of our favorite recipes for creating lemon treats at the beach.

Drink: Lemon Drop Martini

One of our favorite uses of lemon is in a cocktail. For today’s Dailey Happy Hour, we’re featuring how to make a simple Lemon Drop Martini with lemon infused vodka that you can make at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

2 ounces lemon-infused vodka (homemade or citron vodka)

2 ounces fresh-squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon superfine sugar

Sugar for glass rim

Lemon for garnish

Ice

CLICK HERE to learn how to make this drink for a sunset happy hour. The lemon drop martini is best when served icy cold overlooking the beach. Cheers!

Dressing: Citrus Vinaigrette

Another great use of lemons is to create a zesty citrus vinaigrette dressing, which is ideal for fresh salads at the beach.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp red onions (finely chopped)

1 tbsp ginger (grated)

1 pinch saffron

1 lemon (freshly zested and juiced)

1/3 cup olive oil

Directions: Add finely chopped red onion, Dijon mustard, grated ginger, saffron and the zest and juice of an orange (or lemon) to the food processor. Blitz until smooth, then slowly add grapeseed or olive oil. Pour into a jar and shake well. Especially delicious when served on a fresh garden salad on the balcony overlooking the beach. (Recipe courtesy of Eat Well)

Sweet Treat: Lemon Bars

Finally, we enjoy using lemons to make lemon bars. This classic sweet treat is a timeless tradition and a great way to bring families together for time in the kitchen baking. 

Ingredients:

 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold (1 stick)

FOR THE LEMON FILLING

 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar   

  1/4 cup all-purpose flour

 4 eggs, large

1 tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)

  2/3 cup lemon juice (juice of 3 lemons)

 Powdered sugar for garnish

 Directions:

To make the Shortbread Crust:

1.   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, mist an 8x8 pan with non-stick spray, and line with parchment.

2.   Place the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine. 

3.   Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  

4.   Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer, and bake until set (approximately 20 to 25 minutes).

To make the lemon filling:

1.   Whisk the sugar, flour, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice together in a large bowl.

2.   Pour the filling over the partially baked crust and bake until the filling is set (approximately 25 to 35 minutes). 

3.   Cool completely, cut into squares, and dust with powdered sugar for garnish. ‘

(Recipe courtesy of Baking a Moment)

Make Life Sweet - Start Planning Your Beach Vacation

Ready to make something sweet out of a sour situation? Plan your next Destin vacation and put a sweet spot on your calendar to look forward to. Click here to view our collection of Destin vacation rental homes and condominiums and book your summer beach vacation. For stays in May, the Beachside Inn is open and welcoming guests. Book your stay by calling one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652.

See you @ the beach!