Name: Lemon Drop Martini
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 ounces vodka (60mL); 1 ounce simple syrup (30mL); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (22mL, strained); lemon for garnish and rimming the glass; sugar (for the rim)

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Bright and refreshing, this lemon drop drink is such a delightful cocktail. This cocktail is tart but sweet and is super easy to make within minutes. Garnished with a lemon peel and served with a sugar rim, this light cocktail is perfect for any occasion. This zesty vodka cocktail is a delicious adult take on the lemon drop candy that needs to be in your cocktail repertoire. Having a party and want to make a few more cocktails? Try making my Paloma or Manhattan Recipe as well.

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

Lemon — freshly squeezed lemon juice is a must. The bottled juices do not have the same bright flavor that fresh lemon provides.

Vodka — I recommend a quality smooth vodka, so you end up with a silky cocktail. While you do not have to use the most expensive vodka, the recipe only uses a handful of ingredients, so you’ll taste the difference if your vodka is not of good quality.

HOW TO MAKE A LEMON DROP MARTINI

1. Slice off a bit of the lemon peel to use as a garnish.

2. Wipe the rim of a glass with the lemon, turn it upside down, and dab it on a plate of sugar.

3. Juice the lemon and strain it into a small bowl to remove any seeds or loose membrane.

4. To a cocktail shaker, add vodka, simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and ice.

5. Cover the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously.

6. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass and garnish with the lemon peel.

PRO TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE

If you have extra lemons, you can zest them and combine the zest with the sugar to make lemon sugar for the rim of the glass.
To make the drink even colder, you can chill your martini glasses in the freezer beforehand.
Feel free to add more or less vodka to make the cocktail as strong as you prefer.
You will need to shake and not stir this cocktail. The lemon juice and vodka have different densities, so they need to be shaken to combine thoroughly with each other. The ingredients may separate if you only stir the martini.
Don’t have a cocktail shaker? You can use a mason jar or any jar with a tight-fitting lid.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make this lemon cocktail ahead of time?

You can definitely make this lemon drop recipe ahead of time for a party. Simply scale up all of the ingredients, minus the ice, then store the drink in a jar or pitcher with a lid in the fridge. When ready to serve, shake the cocktail with ice and serve with sugar-rimmed glasses.

How do I get the most juice out of the lemon?

If your lemon was in the fridge, bring it to room temperature before juicing. Then roll the fruit under the palm of your hands on the countertop. Doing so helps loosen the juices by breaking down some of the lemon’s membranes. You could also microwave the lemon for 5 to 10 seconds to quickly warm it up.

How to make simple syrup?

You can purchase simple syrup at the store. However, it’s super easy to make at home as well. Here’s how to make it:

Add equal parts water and sugar to a pan.
Stir and bring to a boil.
Remove from heat and chill in an airtight container.
Store in the fridge for up to a week.

If you love this recipe try these out!

If you’ve tried this Lemon Drop Martini recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

5 from 6 votes