When life hands you lemons, why not make a Lemon Drop Martini? This vibrant cocktail brings together the tang of citrus with a touch of sweetness for a sip that’s nothing short of delightful. Perfect for celebrations, cozy nights in, or any moment that deserves a little sparkle, this drink is sure to impress.
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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Drop Martini
- Balanced Flavor: The perfect harmony of tangy lemon, a hint of orange from triple sec, and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Versatile: Great for happy hour, brunch, or as a fancy treat.
- Quick to Make: Whip it up in under 5 minutes.
- Beautiful Presentation: The sugared rim and lemon garnish make it a showstopper.
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Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to craft the perfect Lemon Drop Martini:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz triple sec (or any orange liqueur)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
Tools You’ll Need
- Martini glass
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Lemon zester or peeler
- Small plate for sugar
How to Make the Lemon Drop Martini
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chill the Glass
Fill a martini glass with ice water to cool it down while you prepare the cocktail. - Mix the Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. - Add Ice and Shake
Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled (about 15 seconds). - Prepare the Glass
Discard the ice water from the martini glass. Run a lemon wedge around the rim, then dip it into a shallow plate of sugar for a sweet, decorative coating. - Pour and Garnish
Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or a thin slice of lemon for an elegant finishing touch.
Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Drop Martini
- Rim Upgrade: Add lemon zest to the sugar for extra fragrance and flavor.
- Sweetness Control: Start with 1 oz of simple syrup, but adjust to your liking.
- Zest It Up: For an even more citrusy kick, add a dash of grated lemon zest into the cocktail shaker.
- Go Sparkling: For a fizzy variation, top the finished drink with a splash of club soda.
What to Serve with Lemon Drop Martinis
This cocktail pairs wonderfully with:
- Savory Appetizers: Think bruschetta, cheese platters, or smoked salmon canapés.
- Light Desserts: Lemon bars, fruit tarts, or a slice of angel food cake.
- Nibbles: Salted nuts or crispy pita chips.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre-Mix the Base: Combine vodka, triple sec, and lemon juice ahead of time, then store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add simple syrup and shake with ice just before serving.
- Avoid Pre-Rimming: For the best presentation, rim the glass with sugar right before serving.
FAQs About Lemon Drop Martinis
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the brightest, freshest flavor. Bottled juice works in a pinch but might taste less vibrant.
Q: Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?
A: Absolutely! Replace vodka and triple sec with lemonade or lemon-flavored soda for a fun, non-alcoholic version.
Q: What’s the best vodka to use?
A: Any good-quality vodka works well. For an extra-smooth martini, choose a premium brand like Grey Goose or Tito’s.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~200
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Sugar: ~13g
- Alcohol Content: Varies depending on vodka and triple sec brand
Your Turn!
Did you try this Lemon Drop Martini recipe? I’d love to see how it turned out! Share your photos on Pinterest and tag me for a chance to be featured.
More Recipes to Love
- Antipasto Cream Cheese Log Recipe – Perfect for pairing with cocktails at your next gathering.
- Amaretto Sour Recipe – Another citrusy delight for your happy hour lineup.
- Mini Cupcakes Recipe – A sweet treat to complement your cocktail.
- Mini Chocolate Cakes – Indulgent and perfect for special occasions.
- Nutella-Stuffed Cookies – A decadent snack for your cocktail night.
Ready to mix up this zesty delight? Grab your shaker, and let’s toast to sweet, citrusy perfection! 🍋
Lemon Drop Martini
Course: DrinksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes200
kcal5
minutesThis Lemon Drop Martini is the perfect blend of zesty lemon, smooth vodka, and a hint of sweetness. Quick and easy to make, it’s ideal for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening.
Ingredients
2 oz vodka
1 oz triple sec (or orange liqueur)
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
Ice cubes
Directions
- Chill a martini glass by filling it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Discard the ice water from the martini glass. Run a lemon wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip the rim into a shallow plate of sugar to coat.
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or a thin lemon wheel, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For an extra punch of citrus, add a little lemon zest to the sugar used for rimming the glass.
Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less simple syrup.
For a bubbly twist, top the finished cocktail with a splash of club soda.
This recipe can be scaled up for a crowd. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed and shake in batches.
