Lemon Drop (Shot)

Sometimes a shot is just a shot. Vodka needs drinking and the flavors that follow are intended to help it along. The Lemon Drop shot predates the Lemon Drop Martini of the 90s. It is essentially a Tequila Shot but with sugar instead of salt.

The experience that this shot is selling is physical and it changes as you go through the motions. For this reason, it can't be called a cocktail; it is a serving suggestion.

Start with a quality shot of vodka--a 100-percent potato vodka like MurLarkey Distillery's Divine Clarity is a good choice. Place a pinch of sugar in the natural indentation between your thumb and wrist and hold a lemon slice in the same hand. Begin by licking the sugar off your wrist, then drink the shot in one swallow, and finish by biting and sucking on the lemon wedge.

• 2 oz. vodka (Divine Clarity used)
• sugar
• lemon wedge