Lemon Drop Martini

This Lemon Drop Martini is a bright vodka cocktail that feels classic and a little fancy, but it’s incredibly easy to make. Made with fresh lemon juice, vodka, and simple syrup, it has the perfect balance of citrusy sweetness.

I’ve been making and tweaking this Lemon Drop Martini for years, ever since I first wandered into a bar in college. This is the perfect ratio of all three ingredients to give you that balance of bitter and sweet. It’s everything you’re looking for in a vodka martini. 

Ingredient Tips

Optional Lemon Sugar Rim

Zest your lemons before juicing them for an optional upgrade to your sugar rim. Simply add the zest to the sugar and stir until it is well mixed. Then dip your glass in lemon juice and dip it in the lemon sugar. If you’re worried about it being too tart, you can leave this step out, but I think it really elevates this cocktail.

What Vodka Should You Use?

Because the vodka is the main ingredient, I would use a premium vodka. However, feel free to use whatever vodka you have on hand. You can also make it with a citron vodka to enhance the lemon flavor.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Simple Syrup

While it might be tempting to buy simple syrup, it is so easy to make that I recommend you 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.

Garnish with a Twist

I love to add a lemon twist to the edge of my Lemon Drop Martini for a fun garnish! To do this, slice the lemon zest. Try to only take the zest and not the pith. (That’s the white part of the peel.) If you do get some pith, use a spoon to scrape it off. Twist the peel into a curl and then pull the two ends of the slice so the lemon forms a nice coil.

How to Make a Lemon Drop Martini

This Lemon Drop Martini replaces the vermouth of a traditional martini with freshly squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup. Making this cocktail couldn’t be any easier. Start by adding the sugar to the rim of your glass. Next, add your ingredients into the shaker and shake.

Tips for Success

• If adding lemon zest to your sugar rim, use a microplaner so that the zest is fine and mixes well with the sugar.
• Strain the lemon juice after squeezing it to remove any pulp, and keep your drink nice and crisp
• Be sure to shake the cocktail for at least 10 seconds. You want the drink very cold because it’s served without ice.

How to Serve for a Party.

If you’re hosting a party and want to make a big batch of lemon drop martinis, I’ve got you covered. Mix 2 cups of vodka, 1 cup of fresh lemon juice, and 1 cup of simple syrup. I like to have this in a pitcher next to the shaker and ice bucket to shake each glass up quickly.

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.