A Lemon Drop Martini is the perfect cocktail to make any night of the week! With only three easy to find ingredients, you are going to want to make this drink all the time!
This Lemon Drop Martini has been a favorite of mine since I first wandered into a bar in college. When made well, it is the perfect combination of bitter and sweet. It is everything you are looking for in a vodka martini. This is such an easy cocktail to make whether it is for a party with friends, or for a quiet Friday date night at home, make this Lemon Drop Martini! It is made with only three ingredients – vodka, freshly squeezed lemon, and simple syrup.
Lemon Drop Martini
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Traditional martinis start with vodka and vermouth. There are also simple variations like a Negroni cocktail or this lemon drop. You take out the vermouth, and you replace it with simple syrup and freshly squeezed lemon. Save some of the lemons and rim the edge of your martini glass with it and then dip it in sugar, for the perfect extra bit of bitter and sweet with each sip.
As mentioned, this recipe calls for a little bit of simple syrup. While it might be tempting to buy simple syrup, it is so easy to make, that I encourage you to make your own. You could even add a little lemon zest as you are making it to add an extra punch of lemon flavor to this drink.
How to make a lemon drop martini
- Rim a martini glass with lemon juice and then sugar.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add premium vodka, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Cover and shake vigorously.
- Strain into your prepared glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
When making this drink, make sure that you use lemons that are fresh for the best taste. You also want to make sure to strain the juice, so that you don’t end up with a lot of pulp in your drink. You might also consider using a citron vodka for this drink, it will really drive home the lemon flavor. I have even been known to make a lemon drop martini with limoncello from time to time.
I love to add a lemon curl to the side of my Lemon Drop Martini recipe for a fun garnish! To do this, make a slice in the side of the lemon and then use a spoon to get out all of the lemon insides. Roll the lemon tight and then make slices. Pull the two ends of the slice so the lemon forms a nice coil. Then set it on the edge of the sugar-rimmed glass.
Want more fabulous martini recipes?
- Peaches and Cream Martini
- Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini
- Bailey’s Flat White Martini
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake Martini
- Monkeylada Martinis
- Cosmopolitan Cocktail
- More drink recipes…
Tools used to make this Lemon Drop Martini recipe
Cocktail Shaker: This shaker is a bartender’s best friend! Easy to use and the best way to mix up your favorite cocktails!
Jigger: Every home bartender should have a jigger for measuring their cocktail ingredients. This one has a no-slip grip and is marked with increment measuring lines so you can make the perfect cocktail every time.
Juicer: Having freshly squeezed juice on hand doesn’t have to be a hassle. This juicer is easy to use and perfect for using with lemons and limes.
Glass Rimmer: Adding sugar or salt to the rim of your cocktail glass doesn’t get any easier!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice about half a lemon. strained to remove seeds and pulp
- extra lemon for garnish and rimming the glass
- sugar for garnishing the glass
Instructions
- Fill a martini shaker with ice.
- Rub a lemon wedge around the edge of a martini glass. Dip the glass in sugar.
- Add the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the martini shaker. Shake to combine.
- Pour into the prepared glass.
You might also enjoy this Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini
Sandra says
I have had many lemon drop martinis over the years and this is by far my favorite. It is simple, fresh and easy. It is also easy to adjust to your taste of citrus to sweetener. My go to every time. Thank you
Ashley N says
Made this and love it! I add a lot of lemon though
Alice says
Just now made this and it’s delicious.
Added a little triple sec. Cut back on simple syrup.
It will be a staple in my cocktail repertoire.
Liz says
Yum. Fresh juice and homemade simple syrup make for an excellent, easy to make martini!
Doretha says
I luv luv luv to play around mixing drinks for fum