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The Lemon Drop Martini is a delicious and tangy cocktail that’s perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re lounging by the pool on a warm summer day, enjoying fun-filled girls nights, or you just need a celebratory drink, this tangy drink do the trick.
Easy Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
What makes the Lemon Drop Martini special, is its perfect balance of flavors. The crisp, zesty tartness of the lemon juice pairs beautifully with the sweet and slightly tangy flavor of the simple syrup.
This cocktail is both refreshing and tasty. Each sip delivers a light, crisp burst of citrus flavor that will make your taste buds happy. But it’s not just a yummy drink, it’s pretty too. The sugared rim and lemon garnish makes it a beautiful party drink.
Whether you’re hosting an outdoor party, planning a sophisticated cocktail evening, or simply unwinding after a long day, this Lemon Drop Martini is a crowd pleaser that offers a refreshing take on the classic martini.
If you love lemon or just need fun cocktail recipes with simple ingredients, try this lemon drop shot, kamikaze shot, or green tea shot.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Vodka: A high-quality vodka is best for the base of this cocktail.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides the flavor of this drink, giving it the refreshing citrus flavor.
- Simple Syrup: Sweetens the drink and offsets the tartness from the lemon juice.
- Sugar (for the rim): Adds a touch of sweetness with every sip.
- Lemon Wheel or Twist (for garnish): A simple yet elegant finishing touch.
How to Make a Lemon Drop Martini
STEP 1. Prepare the shot glass by rubbing a lemon wedge around the rim, then turn the glass upside down and dip the rim into a small saucer of granulated sugar, coating the edges. (You can also use orange juice or simple syrup for a sweeter coating. I’ve also used water in a pinch) Let the coating dry while you prepare the martini.
STEP 2. Add the vodka, sweet and sour, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake together for 10-15 seconds.
STEP 3. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, into the prepared martini glass to ensure pulp doesn’t get into the drink.
STEP 4. Add half of a slice of lemon or a small slice of the lemon peel twisted into curl, to the rim of the glass for a garnish.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Drop Martini
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: For the tastiest lemon drop martini, if you can, use fresh lemon juice. I’ve made this drink with bottled juice too, and it works. But to get a fresh flavor, squeeze a lemon or two for the juice.
- Chill the Glass: Place the martini glass in the fridge or freezer until it’s cold. This will help keep the martini cool..
- Adjust the Sweetness: Add more or less simple syrup, depending on how sweet or tart you like your drink.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a splash of limoncello for an extra burst of lemon.
Lemon Martini Variations
- Make it Citrus or Berry Flavored: Start with a citron vodka for the base, or do half and half flavors with cherry or raspberry vodka.
- Lemon and Lavender: Use a lavender simple syrup, or make this a gin martini with lavender gin for the base for a refreshing twist.
FAQ’S
Yes! Just leave the alcohol out of the drink and replace the vodka with sparkling water or lemon-flavored soda. Add lemon juice and simple syrup to your taste.
Pour the ingredients over a handful of ice in a shaker. Shake for 10-15 seconds, until the shaker feels cold. Then strain your martini into a chilled glass.
Simple syrup is a sweetener made with sugar and water. If you want to make your own simple syrup, just combine equal parts water and sugar into a small saucepan. Then on medium heat, bring it to a boil. Store it in mason jar or other container that has a lid.
Yes! The day before your party, mix the ingredients together in a large pitcher or punch bowl, and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Don’t add ice until you are ready to serve so it keeps it’s full flavor without being watered down.
Use a sharp knife to slice lemons. Then carefully trim a thin slice of the peel and scrape or cut away as much of the flesh as possible.
More Drink Recipes
Lemon Drop Martini
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Martini Glasses
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
Optional: lemon curl for garnish and granulated sugar to line the rim of glass
Instructions
- Prepare the shot glass by rubbing a lemon wedge around the rim, then turn the glass upside down and dip the rim into a small saucer of granulated sugar, coating the edges.
- Add the vodka, sweet and sour, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake together for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, into the prepared martini glass to ensure pulp doesn't get into the drink.
- Add half of a slice of lemon or a small slice of the lemon peel twisted into curl, to the rim of the glass for a garnish.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
