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Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

Master this homemade Lemon Drop Martini with premium vodka, fresh lemon juice, and the perfect balance of sweetness. This easy cocktail recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, restaurant-quality drink that's surprisingly simple to craft at home. The sugar rim adds the perfect finishing touch to this citrusy classic.
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>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:
🔥 Calories:
🥑 Fat:
🧈 Saturated Fat:
🍞 Carbohydrates:
🍭 Sugar:
🍗 Protein:
🫀 Cholesterol:
🧂 Sodium:

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>

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>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Lemon Drop Martini?

A classic Lemon Drop Martini requires premium vodka, fresh lemon juice, triple sec (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier), simple syrup, ice cubes for shaking, and garnishes including a lemon twist and sugar for rimming the glass.

How to make Lemon Drop Martini at home?

Learn how to make Lemon Drop Martini by rimming a chilled glass with sugar, combining 60ml premium vodka, 30ml fresh lemon juice, 15ml triple sec, and 15ml simple syrup in an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to properly chill and dilute the mixture, then strain into your prepared glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

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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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." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add ice to shaker", "text": "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." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add ingredients", "text": "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." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Shake", "text": "Secure the top of your shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. 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I've made it three times this week already - it's that good!", "name": "Perfectly Balanced Citrus Delight", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Miguel Fernandez", "datePublished": "2024-04-12", "reviewBody": "I've paid $18 for Lemon Drop Martinis that weren't nearly as good as this recipe. The extended shake time really does make all the difference in getting that silky texture. Absolutely worth making at home!", "name": "Better Than Fancy Bars", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Aisha Patel", "datePublished": "2024-04-15", "reviewBody": "The technique for expressing the lemon oils over the drink is a game-changer! I've never understood the importance of that step until now. This recipe has converted me from a wine drinker to a martini enthusiast.", "name": "Cocktail Conversion Complete", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Lars Johansson", "datePublished": "2024-04-18", "reviewBody": "Hosted a dinner party and these Lemon Drop Martinis stole the show. The sugar rim looks so professional and the drink itself is refreshingly balanced. My friends demanded the recipe before they left!", "name": "Dinner Party Star", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Naomi Chen", "datePublished": "2024-04-22", "reviewBody": "The perfect summer evening cocktail! Crisp, clean, and so refreshing. I appreciate how the recipe explains the importance of each step - it helped me understand why my previous attempts weren't as good. Now it's perfect every time!", "name": "Summer Evening Essential", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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