It's hard to believe it now that it's grey and rainy again, but last Friday it was 97 degrees in Portland. In May. In Maine. I'm going to refrain from any discussion of climate change... but boy howdy, I can't say I've ever experienced that before!

After I met my dear friend Kirsten for a drink, Otis and I rendezvoused at Caiola's for our first night on their patio. Caiola's is a beautiful, calming oasis of yumminess on Pine Street, where you are pretty much always guaranteed a fabulous meal along with impeccable service.

Last Friday they had one of my favorite drinks on the menu: the lemon drop. When made correctly, these taste just like a tangy glass of lemonade...not too sweet, not too sour. These were perfect: full of fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and just enough vodka to make them effective.

Lemon Drops always make me think of my friend Sarah, with whom I've consumed many.

I highly recommend that you make a pitcher of these for your next barbecue. Your guests will thank you.

Lemon Drop

1 1/2 oz vodka (Citron if you have it, otherwise plain is OK)
1 t sugar
Juice of 1/2-1 lemon (depending on how juicy it is!)

Add all ingredients to shaker over cracked ice. Shake vigorously. Pour into chilled martini glass. You may garnish with a sugar rim and either a twist or a wedge of lemon.

(and my advice? drink it FAST.)