This lemon drop martini recipe combines vodka, lemon juice, triple sec, and simple syrup for a perfectly sweet, tart, and smooth cocktail. It’s tangy yet refreshing and great for lemon lovers!
The lemon drop martini is served chilled, straight up, without ice in a cocktail glass that’s garnished with sugar around the rim. This sweet and sour classic cocktail emerged from San Francisco in the 1970s. It was created by Norman Jay Hobday and likely based on the popular lemon drop candy.
Why you'll love this lemon drop recipe:
- It's fun: The sugared rim makes this drink festive all year round!
- Perfectly balanced: This cocktail is strong, bold, and bright. It has great flavor and is easy to sip.
- Crowd pleaser: Serve during happy hour, as an after dinner drink, or at any special occasion.
Ingredients
- Vodka: Use a good quality vodka. The better the vodka, the better your drink! In my opinion, Tito’s is the best vodka but use your favorite.
- Lemon juice: Fresh squeezed lemon juice is going to give you the best flavor. You’ll need about one lemon, depending on its size.
- Triple sec: This orange liqueur adds a hint of smoothness. You could use Cointreau as a substitute.
- Simple syrup: You can use store-bought or homemade simple syrup. It adds sweetness and helps balance out the lip-puckering sourness of lemon juice.
How to make simple syrup
The simple syrup ratio is 1:1, equal parts water to granulated sugar.
- In a small saucepan, heat the water over medium heat.
- Add the sugar and stir to combine.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from heat.
- Let cool before using then store in the fridge for 3-4 weeks.
Tools
Lemon drops are shaken and strained into martini glasses. This bar tool set comes complete with a stainless steel shaker, jigger, and bar spoon.
How to make a lemon drop
The full directions for this lemon drop drink in the printable recipe card below.
- Prepare the cocktail glass: Chill the martini glass in the fridge or freezer. If you’re short on time, fill it with ice and let it sit until just before straining the cocktail. To sugar the rim, run a lemon wedge around the edge of the glass. Alternatively, you could wet the rim with simple syrup or water. Immediately dip the rim into the sugar, rotating if needed, to ensure all sides are coated.
- Shake the ingredients: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the lemon drop ingredients. Shake until cold, at least 30 seconds.
- Garnish and serve: Strain into a chilled martini glass or coupe glass and garnish with a lemon slice. For a sophisticated touch, use a lemon twist.
Variations and tips
- You can make a lemon drop cocktail with vodka or gin. Both work well!
- Shake for at least 30 seconds to get the ingredients ice cold! This makes for a super smooth cocktail.
- For a stronger cocktail, add a splash more vodka. To tone it down, add more lemon juice or simple syrup.
- Add as little or as much simple syrup as you like, depending if you want your cocktail more zingy or sweet.
- Don't skip the lemon sugar rim! It not only makes the drink look cute, it also adds sweetness to balance out the tartness.
- Make a round of lemon drop shots instead by serving in shot glasses!
Related recipes
Want more delicious cocktail recipes? Here are a few of my favorites:
- Gimlet: This classic cocktail is made with gin, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice. It’s sweet and tart, with a hint of botanical flavor.
- Aviation: This retro cocktail calls for gin, maraschino liqueur, creme de violette, and fresh lemon juice for a light, bright, and floral drink.
- Manhattan: This iconic cocktail combines rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters for a strong, aromatic drink. It’s impressive, yet so easy to make!
- Texas Margarita: This margarita is a twist on the traditional. It’s made with tequila, lime juice, orange juice, triple sec, and agave nectar for a refreshing drink that’s great for hot summer nights.
- Rum Collins: This twist on the classic tom collins calls for rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and soda water. It’s bubbly and just the right amount of sweet.
Lemon Drop Martini
This lemon drop martini recipe combines vodka, lemon juice, triple sec, and simple syrup for a perfectly sweet, tart, and smooth cocktail. It’s tangy yet refreshing and great for lemon lovers!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce triple sec
- ½ ounce simple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the cocktail glass by running a lemon wedge along the rim and dipping into sugar.
- Add vodka, lemon juice, triple sec, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake until well-chilled, at least 30 seconds then strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel or lemon twist and serve.
Nutrition
Calories: 219kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 43mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Leave a comment below and tag @theurbenlife on social!
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