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.


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 this easy cocktail 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 drop cocktail 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 with the perfect balance of sweet and tart! 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 simple ingredients are measured just right for me, you can easily add more lemon juice or even make it a double if you so choose.

A martini is being poured into a glass.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect lemon 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. I also prefer to use unflavored vodka and rely on fresh juice for the variety.
  • Cointreau – A type of orange liqueur, this adds a little bit more alcohol content to the martini and it also enhances the tartness of the lemon in a delightful way. You can use Grand Marnier if you have that on hand as a substitute.
  • Simple Syrup – You can make your own simple syrup using my recipe for 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 – Fresh lemon juice is the way to go and the key ingredient. Trust me, the store-bought bottled lemon juice just doesn’t create the same fresh flavor that the real deal does.
  • Garnishes – I love coating the rim of the glass with superfine sugar and adding a lemon twist or lemon wedge. 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 from a chilled martini 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.

Check out more of my favorite martini recipes!

For more easy martini ideas, follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

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.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Rate Recipe Pin Recipe

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.

Video

YouTube video

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