When it comes to cocktails, nothing is more refreshing than a proper Lemon Drop Martini! It’s sweet, tart, and spiked with just the right amount of vodka. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying a summer sunset, you’ll love sipping on this super smooth martini. Cheers!

Two glasses of lemon drop martinis are placed on a white plate.


Lemon Drop Martini

I’m such a sucker for a good martini. And when you combine that with my deep love for lemons, you get one of my all time favorite cocktails – the lemon drop martini! I’ve been ordering these at bars for years and it inspired my famous Lemon Drop Shot. After many boozy taste tests, I’m happy to share that this is my very best lemon drop martini recipe!

Truly, this lemon martini is better than anything I’ve ordered from a bar. I’ve measured it all out just right to create the smoothest sip every time! And the best part about making it at home? You can easily adjust the ingredients to best fit your tastes as well. While all of the ingredients are measured just right for me, you can easily add more lemon juice or even make it a double if you so choose.

Another reason to make your own cocktails at home instead of heading to a bar or restaurant? You’ll end up saving money! It’s almost always way more affordable to buy your own ingredients rather than overspending out somewhere else. Plus, you won’t have to worry about leaving a tip. There are so many reasons to become your own mixologist!

A martini is being poured into a glass.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s what you’ll need to make the ultimate lemon drop martini! For all of the exact ingredient measurements, keep on scrolling down until you reach the recipe card.

  • Vodka – As a rule of thumb, your cocktails will only ever be as good as the liquor you use to make them. I always like to keep a middle of the road vodka on hand for mixed drinks like this. While you don’t need something expensive and top shelf, you also want to avoid the super cheap options if possible.
  • Cointreau – This adds a little bit more alcohol content to the martini and it also enhances the citrus flavor in a delightful way.
  • Simple Syrup – I always keep some homemade simple syrup handy for cocktails like this. It’s literally just sugar and water and couldn’t be easier (or cheaper) to make at home!
  • Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice is the way to go. Trust me, the store-bought bottled lemon juice just doesn’t create the same fresh flavor that the real deal does.
  • Garnishes – I love rimming the glasses with superfine sugar and adding a lemon twist. It’s such a simple way to really impress guests!

PRO TIP: If you’re feeling creative, you can always play around with honey simple syrup or lavender simple syrup to change the flavor palate a little bit.

Edible purple flowers garnish martinis.

How to Make a Lemon Drop Martini

You’re going to love how easy it is to make a classic lemon drop martini. For more detailed step by step instructions, keep on scrolling down to the recipe card.

  1. Chill your glasses. This makes a world of difference! I love drinking a martini from a chilled glass. Just let the glasses sit in the freezer for 10 minutes (or longer if you have the time) prior to serving.
  2. Shake. Pour the vodka, cointreau, lemon juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with some ice cubes. Shake!
  3. Garnish the glasses. Run a lemon twist around the edge of the glass. Dunk it into the superfine sugar to rim it.
  4. Enjoy! Pour the martini into the glass through a strainer. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve immediately.
Two martinis are placed on a white plate with garnishes.

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Two martinis are placed on a white plate with garnishes.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
The Lemon Drop Martini is a refreshing and tart cocktail that perfectly balances sweet and sour flavors. It's made with vodka, fresh lemon juice, and a sweetener like simple syrup or Cointreau. The rim of the glass is coated with sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. This cocktail is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces vodka
  • 1/2 ounce cointreau
  • 1 teaspoon simple syrup
  • 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 4 -5 ice cubes
  • superfine sugar, for the rim
  • Lemon twist

Equipment

  • 1 cocktail shaker

Instructions 

  • Chill martini glasses in freezer for at least 10 minutes prior to serving.
  • Place Vodka, cointreau, lemon juice and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker with 4-5 ice cubes and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
  • Run the lemon twist around the edge of the chilled martini glass and dunk in a small amount of sugar for a coated rim.
  • Pour the strained martini into the chilled glasses and serve.

Notes

Lemon Drop Martinis are best served immediately after making.
You can multiply the recipe by 4 to make a pitcher for easier serving.
Calories: 154kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 0.1g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.01g, Sodium: 6mg, Potassium: 27mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 1IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 3mg, Iron: 0.3mg
Author: Kellie
Course: adult beverage, Cocktail
Cuisine: American