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If you love a good Lemon Drop Martini then you’re going to LOVE this recipe. It’s a Classic Lemon Martini with vodka and is just as good (or better) than you get at the bar. Make this easy drink at home with just a few simple ingredients. I must admit, I’ve made these one too many times lately!
The BEST Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
Sometimes I get a craving for a super cold and tart vodka martini and I am just not satisfied until I have one. I usually gravitate between three martinis: a Cosmopolitan, a Midori Martini, and a Lemon Drop.
Each of those drinks have their own characteristics, depending on my mood and craving. When I want the tart and sweet flavor of lemon, I always reach for a lemon martini (rimmed with sugar, of course). The flavors of lemon and sweetness pair so well with vodka.
This is the BEST Lemon Drop Martini. It’s an easy cocktail you can make at home with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have. Skip going out for happy hour – stay in for drinks! This is one of my favorite classic cocktail recipes, like my Pina Colada!
4 Ingredients in a Lemon Martini
- Vodka: When it comes to vodka, use your favorite. My favorite plain vodka is Tito’s, and if you want, you could also use a citrus or lemon infused vodka. In that case I like Smirnoff or Skyy Citron Vodka.
- Triple Sec: This is orange liqueur, and also known as Cointreau (which is the name brand). Any orange liqueur will work.
- Lemon Juice: By all means, if you’re making a lemon drop martini, you MUST use fresh lemon juice. For one drink you only need the juice of about one lemon. You’ll also want a lemon wedge or lemon wheel for garnish.
- Simple Syrup: for sweetness, to taste. Below the recipe is how to make your own simple syrup if you don’t have it on hand.
How to make a Lemon Drop Martini
My two rules for martinis are: they must be shaken and they must be COLD. To mix up your Lemon Drop Martini:
- Simply add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Cover and shake for at least 15 seconds, then strain into your prepared martini glass.
- Serve it cold!!
Tip From Dorothy
Expert Tips
- Lemon Tip: to get the most juice possible out of the lemon, heat it in the microwave for 10 seconds, then roll it on the counter under your palm before juicing.
- Making ahead of time – mix the lemon juice with simple syrup and vodka, then just shake and pour when guests arrive.
FAQ
If you want it stronger add more vodka.
Add more lemon juice and/or more simple syrup.
Slice a lemon thinly, then cut off the peel, twist and add to your cocktail.
Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
Recipe Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce triple sec
- ½-1 ounce simple syrup or to taste
- Sugar and lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Place a few tablespoons of sugar on a plate. Run a slice of lemon around the edge of a martini glass. Dip the glass upside down in the sugar to coat the rim.
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake, then strain into martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Recipe Notes
- Lemon Tip: to get the most juice possible out of the lemon, heat it in the microwave for 10 seconds, then roll it on the counter under your palm before juicing.
- Making ahead of time – mix the lemon juice with simple syrup and vodka, then just shake and pour when guests arrive.
Recipe Nutrition
How to make simple syrup
Sweetness in any cocktail is to taste, and I’ll admit I like my drinks less sweet (which is why there is always a range of sugar/simple syrup given in the recipe). Simple syrup is my favorite way to sweeten a cocktail, but you can use superfine sugar too.
You can buy simple syrup in the mixer section, but it’s SO easy to make your own:
- Mix equal parts granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan. I usually do 1 cup of each.
- Heat the mixture until it just comes to a simmer and all the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and place in a jar or pitcher and let cool completely before using.
- Store homemade simple syrup in the refrigerator. It’ll keep up to 2 weeks!
This Classic Lemon Martini Recipe is a lemontini everyone will love. Lemon Drops are made with vodka, lemon, triple sec and simple syrup and are so refreshing. This is a delicious and easy cocktail recipe.
So good and all the tips are very helpful.
Waaay too much acid from the lemon juice for my esophagus to handle, but the flavor was on point! I’ll just do slightly less lemon next time 🙂
Thank you— I can make my roomie her favorite drink at home now!
You are my kitchen bible!! Love all all recipes! Keep them coming!! Because of you my friends and family thi I am a great cook
I love this thank you!
Soooo good ! I enjoyed this recipe, one of my favs !!
I’m so happy I know how to make one of these lemon drop martinis! Fabulous recipe! Thank you!
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