Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
A bright, zesty vodka cocktail that dances on your tongue with tangy citrus and a sweet sugar rim—perfect for happy hour or a sunny weekend brunch.
I fell in love with this Lemon Drop Martini Recipe the first time I sipped one at a beachside bar back in the ’90s. It’s simple, classic, and feels a little fancy—yet it takes under five minutes to mix. Whether you’re a seasoned home bartender or just craving a citrusy pick-me-up, this vodka drink brings sunshine to your glass. I love serving it in spring and summer, but honestly, it’s a mood-booster any time you need a burst of brightness.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
- Quick to shake and serve—no oven, no fuss.
- Uses fresh lemon juice for punchy, natural flavor.
- Sugar rim adds that fun, crunchy contrast.
- Classic cocktail vibes—timeless and Instagram-ready.
- Customizable sweetness: crank it up or down.
- Low-calorie twist: swap simple syrup for agave if you like.
- Perfect for batching—ideal for parties.
- Vodka base makes it smooth and approachable for most palates.
Ingredients
• 2 ounces vodka (try Tito’s or Ketel One for a clean finish)
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice (about half a large lemon—no bottled juice here)
• 1 ounce simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water; see Notes for sugar-free swap)
• ½ ounce orange liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
• Granulated sugar (for rimming; superfine works beautifully)
• Lemon twist or wheel (for garnish)
Tips on your picks:
• Vodka: a mid-shelf brand gives smoothness without breaking the bank.
• Lemon juice: strain out pulp for a silky sip.
• Simple syrup: homemade stays fresher—just boil equal parts sugar and water, cool, and stash in the fridge.
Directions
- Prep your glass. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim, then dip it into a shallow plate of sugar so it sticks evenly—this sugar rim is essential for that sweet-tart magic.
- Chill your martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you mix—cold glass keeps the drink crisp.
- Add vodka, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker filled two-thirds with ice. (Tip: crushed ice cools faster but dilutes quicker.)
- Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the tin feels frosty—this frosty feeling means it’s properly chilled.
- Dump ice water from your glass (if you used it) and strain the cocktail into the chilled, sugared glass through a fine-mesh strainer to catch stray shards.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel perched on the rim—press the peel over the drink for a burst of citrus oil.
Servings & Timing
Yield: 1 classic cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus 2 minutes chilling)
Total Time: 7 minutes
Want to make 4 drinks? Multiply each ingredient by four and shake in two batches so your cocktail stays icy cold.
Variations
• Blueberry-Lemon Drop: Muddle 5 fresh blueberries in the shaker before adding ice.
• Basil Citrus: Slap a basil leaf in your palm to release aroma, then add with lemon juice.
• Skinny Drop: Replace simple syrup with light agave nectar for fewer calories.
• Sparkling Twist: Top with 1 ounce club soda for a fizzy finish.
• Pink Drop: Stir in a splash of cranberry juice for color and tartness.
Storage & Reheating
• Pre-batch: Combine vodka, lemon juice, liqueur, and syrup in a sealed pitcher; refrigerate up to 24 hours.
• Shelf life: Best fresh, but a pre-mixed pitcher keeps well for a day; shake gently before serving.
• No reheating needed—this is a cold drink! Just give your mix another good shake with fresh ice.
Notes
• I tested this recipe over three summers—using too much syrup mutes the lemon, while too little makes it sharp. Aim for balance.
• If your lemons aren’t juicy, warm them in your hands or roll on the counter to maximize yield.
• Superfine sugar clings better to the rim; if you’re stuck with regular granulated, pulse it in your blender for a few seconds.
• For an extra-cold twist, chill your shaker in the freezer for 5 minutes before mixing.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Fresh is best for flavor and aroma, but if bottled is all you have, choose a high-quality, pulp-free variety.
Q: What’s the best glassware for a Lemon Drop Martini?
A: A classic martini glass or a coupe works beautifully—both show off the sugar rim.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes—vodka made from potatoes, corn, or grapes is naturally gluten-free.
Q: How do I adjust sweetness?
A: Tweak the simple syrup amount in ¼-teaspoon increments to suit your taste buds.
Q: Why shake instead of stir?
A: Shaking chills and dilutes quickly, giving a silky texture and cloudy “bruise” that many bartenders love.
Q: Any tips for a perfect sugar rim?
A: Pat the moistened rim lightly into sugar—too much and it falls off; too little and it’s bland.
Q: What is simple syrup exactly?
A: Equal parts sugar and water heated until sugar dissolves—cool completely before using.
Q: Can I batch-serve at a party?
A: Absolutely—see Storage & Reheating for make-ahead guidance.
Conclusion
This Lemon Drop Martini Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser—bright, balanced, and endlessly customizable. Give it a whirl next time you need a playful, citrusy cocktail, and don’t forget to let me know how yours turns out (and share a pic on Instagram!). If you love this, explore my Grapefruit Paloma or Classic Cosmo recipes for more vodka-based delights. Cheers!
Lemon Drop Martini
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka try Tito’s or Ketel One for a clean finish
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice about half a large lemon—no bottled juice here
- 1 ounce simple syrup 1:1 sugar to water; see Notes for sugar-free swap
- 1/2 ounce orange liqueur Cointreau or Triple Sec
- granulated sugar for rimming; superfine works beautifully
- lemon twist or wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Rub a lemon wedge around the rim, then dip it into a shallow plate of sugar for the sugar rim.
- Chill your martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you mix. Cold glass keeps the drink crisp.
- Combine vodka, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well.
- Strain the cocktail into the chilled, sugared glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel on the rim.
