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Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

Master this homemade Lemon Drop Martini with premium vodka, fresh lemon, and perfect balance. This easy cocktail recipe transforms simple ingredients into a refreshing, elegant drink. Learn how to make the best version with our professional sugar-rimming technique for an impressive craft cocktail experience.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A pristine martini glass captured in soft studio lighting, showcasing the pale yellow Lemon Drop Martini with crystalline clarity. Droplets of condensation cling to the outside of the glass, suggesting perfect chilling. The cocktail's surface glistens with a light sugared rim catching the light, while a twisted lemon peel garnish hangs elegantly over the edge. A backdrop of fresh lemons and a cocktail shaker slightly out of focus hints at the fresh preparation, with dramatic side lighting highlighting the drink's silky texture and vibrant citrus essence.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml vodka (preferably citrus vodka)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml triple sec (or Cointreau)</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">Lemon twist for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Sugar for rimming glass</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 sugar rim</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. Dip the rim into a small plate of sugar, rotating gently to create an even coating. Set the glass aside—this sugared rim balances the tartness of the cocktail beautifully.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes until it's about ¾ full. Using fresh ice ensures proper dilution and temperature.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Measure and add 60ml vodka, 30ml fresh lemon juice, 15ml triple sec, and 15ml simple syrup to the shaker. Using freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a significant difference in flavor compared to bottled alternatives.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Secure the shaker top and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds. This duration is crucial—it properly chills the cocktail while creating the perfect amount of dilution to balance the strong flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Strain the cocktail into your prepared martini glass using a Hawthorne strainer to catch ice chips, creating a silky smooth texture. The cocktail should appear pale yellow with a slight frothiness on top from the shaking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Garnish with a lemon twist, first expressing the oils over the surface of the drink by pinching the peel skin-side down over the glass, then placing it on the rim. This adds aromatic complexity that elevates the drinking experience.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Serve immediately while the cocktail is properly chilled (between -5°C and 0°C). The Lemon Drop Martini is best enjoyed fresh, as its bright flavors diminish as it warms.</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 Lemon Drop Martini combines 60ml vodka (preferably citrus), 30ml fresh lemon juice, 15ml triple sec or Cointreau, and 15ml simple syrup. These ingredients are shaken with ice and served in a sugar-rimmed martini glass with a lemon twist garnish.

How to make Lemon Drop Martini at home?

Learn how to make Lemon Drop Martini by first sugar-rimming a martini glass. Fill a shaker with ice, add 60ml vodka, 30ml fresh lemon juice, 15ml triple sec and 15ml simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, strain into your prepared glass, and garnish with a lemon twist after expressing its oils over the surface.

Which type of vodka works best for a citrus cocktail like this?

Citrus-infused vodka creates the most harmonious flavour profile, but a premium smooth vodka like Grey Goose or Belvedere also works wonderfully. The key is selecting a quality vodka with minimal harshness that won't overpower the delicate balance of sweet and sour notes.

Why is a sugar rim important for this cocktail's taste profile?

The sugar rim provides a crucial counterbalance to the tartness of fresh lemon juice. As you sip, the sweetness from the rim integrates with the cocktail's acidity, creating a perfectly balanced sweet-sour experience that enhances the sophisticated flavour journey without making the drink itself too sweet.

Can I batch this cocktail for a party?

Yes, you can multiply the recipe and pre-mix the liquid ingredients (without ice) up to 24 hours ahead. Store refrigerated in a sealed container. When serving, shake individual portions with fresh ice and strain into sugar-rimmed glasses for the optimal taste and presentation.

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Restaurant quality at home!", "name": "Best Lemon Martini Recipe", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Elise Dubois", "datePublished": "2024-04-20", "reviewBody": "The quality of vodka really shines through in this recipe. I used a premium citrus vodka as suggested and it made all the difference. Dangerously delicious and so refreshing!", "name": "Vodka Shines Through Beautifully", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Kenzo Nakamura", "datePublished": "2024-04-22", "reviewBody": "Made this for a dinner party and everyone was impressed! The detailed instructions about expressing the lemon oils before garnishing adds that professional touch. 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