February 15th is National Gumdrop Day so naturally I needed to do a gumdrop cocktail. I always like to dig into the history behind my recipe inspirations, but the only reference I could find for the history of gumdrops was a mention that they were possibly invented in 1801 by a man named Percy Trusdale. Sadly, there's no definitive information to back that up, but do we really care who invented them as long as someone did?
The classic gumdrop colors and flavors are orange, red/cherry, yellow/lemon, green/lime and black/licorice. This gumdrop cocktail is flavored after the lemon gumdrop flavor but it packs a nice adult version kick with the vodka and limoncello. I could have gone with cherry vodka and a cherry liqueur, a lime or even a licorice gumdrop flavor but lemon was calling to me so ....
The
GUMDROP
COCKTAIL
INGREDIENTS:
1 Oz. Citrus Vodka
1 Oz. Limoncello
1/2 Oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 Oz. Simple Syrup
Ice
Garnish: Gumdrops, Lemon Twist
Tools: Cocktail Shaker
Glass: Cocktail (Martini)
DIRECTIONS:
Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until well chilled then strain into a sugar-rimmed chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon and a few gumdrops then serve.
Voiceover Video with Ingredients
FUN GUMDROP TRIVIA
Did you know that the Apollo 9 Command module was called Gumdrop? When the module was delivered it was wrapped in blue cellophane and, being shaped like a cone, it acquired that nickname. Not that that has anything to do with a Gumdrop Martini, but I thought it was interesting.
I also thought you might like a recipe for
HOMEMADE GUMDROPS
Ingredients :
4 Cups of White Sugar
1-1/2 Cups Boiling Water
2 Envelopes of Knox Gelatin
1 - 2 Tsps of Candy* or Food Flavorings PER FLAVOR
Food Coloring
*Professional Candy Flavorings come in a much wider range of flavors that even include, banana, tutti fruit, watermelon and more.
Tools: 1 Qt. Saucepan, Teflon pans for different flavors, wax paper, mixing spoons, measuring cups, measuring spoons
Directions:
Soak your gelatin in the saucepan in 1/4 cup of cold water for five minutes, then add the 1-1/2 Cups of boiling water. When your gelatin is completely dissolved add your sugar and boil on medium/low heat for 15 minutes.
At this point you can divide your mixture into as many parts as you want for your different flavors. Pour each into a separate Teflon lined pan, mix in your flavorings and your food colors to get the desired color and taste.
Set your pans into the refrigerator at least overnight or for a full day, then you can cut your gumdrops to any size you want and roll each in some granulated sugar. Store in layers of waxed paper in a sealed container.
National Gumdrop Day is February 15th.
Updated 2-2022
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
