Hop Into the Weekend With a Lemongrass Kangaroo – Info Tips and Tricks

Happy weekend, and welcome back to 3-Ingredient Happy Hour, the weekly drink column featuring super simple yet delicious libations. Today I would like to introduce you to the Kangaroo, which some (wrong) people refer to as “a vodka martini.”

You see, there is no such thing as a vodka martini—martinis are made with gin—but that doesn’t mean that a mixture of ice cold vodka and dry vermouth is a bad thing. In fact, it’s a pretty good thing, particularly if you want to add some subtle, refreshing flavors that might get overshadowed by juniper-heavy gin. The original name for this cocktail was the “Kangaroo,” and I think we should bring it back, and usher in a new era of cocktail bar peace.

But you know me, I can never not futz with something, so I decided to put a summery spin on the classic with a little lemon grass paste, which I had purchased for some reason several weeks ago and then promptly forgot about. To make this bouncy beverage, you will need:

• 2 1/4 ounce vodka
• 3/4 ounce dry vermouth
• 1/2 teaspoon lemongrass paste (or 1/2 teaspoon fresh, crushed lemongrass)

Add everything to a cocktail glass (or pint glass) filled with ice and stir until it becomes uncomfortably cold. Strain into a coupe glass through a fine mesh sieve. Garnish with nothing.