Lemon Drop Martini

With fresh lemon juice, smooth vodka, and a touch of sweetness, this lemon drop martini recipe the perfect blend of tangy and sweet. It’s a classic cocktail that’s simple to make and the flavor is something everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply relaxing, this crowd-pleasing drink will add a refreshing twist to any occasion.

Bust out some lemons because I’m going to teach you how to make a lemon drop martini. Over the years I’ve shared dozens of cocktail recipes here on Inspired by Charm. Recently, I’ve been trying to mix up some of the classic cocktail recipes for you. I think it’s helpful to have an idea of how to make the classics, as then you can let your creativity flow and turn them into something truly unique. 

And speaking of a lemon drop, I also have a recipe for a really delicious and fun lemon drop shot and a blueberry lemon drop martini. If you like this recipe, I’m sure you’ll love those too!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• The flavor to be light and refreshing. Made with freshly squeeze lemons, it’s hard to go wrong.
• It’s an easy drinking martini. I think this is a cocktail most adults can appreciate.
• It is smooth but still bright and fresh. This can work as a pre or post dinner drink or serve it in the afternoon with a few snacks.

How bad can that be?

Even better, it’s an easy cocktail to make at home. You only need a few ingredients and you can shake a couple of these up in no time. 

Also, if your hosting a party and don’t want to be stuck making these all night, just whip up a big batch of the mix and allow your guests to shake one up whenever their glass is empty. 

Ingredients

You’ll need just a few really good ingredients for this recipe. I always recommend that when you’re making a recipe with only a few ingredients, you should use the highest quality you can find for optimum results. 

• Vodka: Grey Goose or Tito’s is my go-to, but use what you love. 
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Please skip the little bottle of store-bought lemon juice. (You’ll thank me.) Fresh makes all the difference. 
• Cointreau: Grand Marnier works here too. It adds great depth of flavor with an additional citrus element. 
• Simple Syrup: A little sweetness softens the tartness of the fresh lemon. 
• Superfine Sugar: Mixed with fresh lemon zest, this is the perfect tart meets sweet garnish for this libation. 
• Lemon Zest and Twist: Since you’re juicing fresh lemons you might as well use the whole fruit. Before you juice, zest some of the lemon and use the rest to make lemon twists to garnish. 

Put into a nutshell, you simply need vodka, Cointreau, sugar, and lemons. That’s only four ingredients. Pretty easy, right? 

Oh, and you’re going to need some fabulous martini glasses too. I especially love the ones I used here.

How to Make

I’ll walk you through the steps here. I’ve also provided a detailed ingredients list and instructions in the printable recipe card below. 

1. Mix together the sugar and lemon zest until well combined. 
2. Rim a martini glass with the sugar and lemon zest mixture. Set aside.

3. Add the vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. 
4. Shake vigorously. 
5. Strain into a prepared martini glass. 
6. Garnish with a lemon twist. 

Serve, sip, and enjoy!

That’s it, my friend! It’s really that simple to whip up a lemon drop martini. I know you’re going to love the results.

Recipe Variations

If you love this lemon drop martini recipe and want to experiment with different flavor variations, I can help! Here are a few suggestions I know you’re going to enjoy.

• Flavored Martinis: Experiment with various fruit flavors to create exciting twists on the classic Lemon Drop Martini. Try using fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries for a vibrant berry martini. You can also use mango, peach, or even watermelon for a tropical delight. Be sure to check out my blueberry lemon drop martini recipe.
• Herb-Infused Martinis: Elevate the flavor profile by infusing your vodka with herbs. Rosemary, basil, or thyme can add a refreshing herbal touch to your Lemon Drop Martini. Simply steep the herbs in the vodka for a few days before preparing the cocktail.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a spicy element to your martini. Muddle a small slice of jalapeño or drop in a few dashes of hot sauce to give your drink a fiery twist.
• Honey Lemon Drop: For a slight twist on the classic recipe, replace the simple syrup with honey. The honey adds a unique depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon.
• Frozen Lemon Drop Slush: Perfect for hot summer days, turn your Lemon Drop Martini into a refreshing slushie. Blend the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice until smooth, and serve in chilled martini glasses.
• Garnish Ideas: Elevate the presentation by experimenting with various garnishes. Rim the glass with colored sugar, lemon zest, or a mix of both. You can also float a lemon wheel or a fresh herb sprig on top of the drink for a touch of elegance.

Remember, the key is to have fun and let your creativity shine. Feel free to mix and match these variations or come up with your own unique twists!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Lemon Drop Martini?

Absolutely! To make a non-alcoholic Lemon Drop Martini, simply replace the vodka with lemonade or a lemon-flavored soda. You can still enjoy the refreshing lemon flavor without the alcohol content.

How do I make a large batch of Lemon Drop Martinis for a party?

Scaling up the recipe for a crowd is easy. Multiply the ingredients based on the number of servings you need. Combine the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher or a punch bowl, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Remember to add ice to each individual glass when serving.

What type of vodka works best for this recipe?

For the best results, choose a high-quality, smooth vodka. Since the Lemon Drop Martini highlights the flavors of lemon and sweetness, a neutral or citrus-infused vodka is ideal.

How can I rim the martini glasses with sugar?

Rimming the glasses with sugar is a delightful touch. To do this, take a lemon wedge and rub it around the rim of each glass. Then, dip the rim in a plate of sugar (you can use colored sugar for an added visual appeal). Make sure to do this step just before pouring the cocktail to keep the sugar fresh.

And that’s another classic mixed drink recipe to add to my collection. I know you’re going to love this one. It makes a brilliant signature martini recipe you can serve any time of the year. Make it your own with a different garnish, unique martini glasses, and/or some other fun element. 

More Classic Cocktails You Will Love

• Classic Cosmopolitan
• Bees Knees Cocktail
• Pear Martini
• Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail
• Classic Margarita Recipe
• Sangria Tinto (Red)

I sure hope you’ll try this classic cocktail recipe. If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. I can’t wait to hear what you think of this lemon drop martini recipe.

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