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Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

By What’s Baking

A bright, zippy cocktail balancing fresh lemon tartness with vodka strength and just enough sweetness to create a perfectly refreshing, palate-cleansing sipper.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A crystal-clear martini glass photographed from a 45-degree angle, showcasing the pale yellow Lemon Drop Martini with a sugar-rimmed edge that catches the light. The cocktail's surface reveals a slight shimmer from the freshly strained liquid, while a twisted lemon peel garnish rests elegantly on the rim. Golden hour lighting creates a warm glow through the drink, highlighting its clarity and citrus essence. Small droplets of condensation form on the outside of the glass, suggesting the drink's perfectly chilled temperature. A white marble bar surface below provides elegant contrast to the vibrant cocktail.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml vodka (premium quality)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml triple sec (Cointreau or Grand Marnier)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml simple syrup</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Ice cubes for shaking</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 lemon twist for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rimming)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Hawthorne strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger or measuring tool</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Martini glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Small plate (for rimming)</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Prepare your martini glass by running a lemon wedge around the rim to moisten it. Pour granulated sugar onto a small plate and dip the moistened rim into the sugar, rotating gently to create an even coating. Set aside to dry slightly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Fill your cocktail shaker 2/3 full with ice cubes. Using fresh ice ensures proper dilution and temperature without excess water that could weaken your cocktail's flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Measure and pour the vodka, fresh lemon juice, triple sec, and simple syrup into the ice-filled shaker. The balance of these ingredients is crucial—the fresh acidity of lemon juice cuts through the vodka while the triple sec and simple syrup provide layered sweetness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Secure the top of your shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This extended shake is essential for a Lemon Drop Martini—it properly chills the cocktail, creates the right dilution, and emulsifies the citrus oils for a silky texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Strain the cocktail through your Hawthorne strainer directly into the prepared martini glass. A proper strain ensures no ice chips or lemon pulp make it into the final presentation.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Twist a strip of lemon peel over the surface of the drink to express the essential oils, then place it delicately on the rim of the glass. This final aromatic touch enhances the sensory experience as you sip.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cookie
🔥 Calories: 165 calories
🥑 Fat: 6 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 26 g
🍭 Sugar: 18 g
🍗 Protein: 1.5 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 25 mg
🧂 Sodium: 125 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What's the ideal vodka to use for a citrus-forward cocktail like this?

The best vodka for a citrus-forward cocktail is a premium, clean-tasting vodka without strong flavour profiles of its own. Brands like Ketel One, Grey Goose, or Belvedere work exceptionally well as they allow the bright lemon notes to shine while providing a smooth base.

Why is shaking this cocktail for a full 15-20 seconds so important?

The extended shake is crucial for proper dilution, achieving the ideal temperature, and—most importantly—emulsifying the citrus oils to create a silky texture and balanced mouthfeel. This technique ensures the sweet and sour elements integrate perfectly with the vodka.

Can I batch this cocktail for a party instead of making individual serves?

Yes, you can batch the liquid ingredients (maintaining the 4:2:1:1 ratio of vodka:lemon:triple sec:syrup) and store chilled for up to 24 hours. Just before serving, shake portions with ice and strain into freshly sugar-rimmed glasses for the optimal drinking experience.

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