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When it comes to cocktails, nothing is more refreshing than a proper Lemon Drop Martini! This classic vodka cocktail is sweet, tart, smooth, and made with just a few simple ingredients: vodka, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. It shakes up in just 2 minutes and tastes like something you’d order at a great bar—only better because you can make it exactly how you like it.
Table of Contents
Kellie’s Note
Citrus-ly Refreshing
I’ve been ordering lemon drop drinks at bars for years, and after plenty of taste testing at home, this is my favorite version. The fresh lemon juice keeps it bright, the Cointreau adds a little citrus depth, and the sugared rim balances every tart sip with just the right amount of sweetness.
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. It’s so good, I made a mini in this Lemon Drop Shot
Ingredients for Lemon Drop Martinis
Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect lemon martini. For exact measurements, scroll to the recipe card below.
- Vodka – Use a smooth, mid-range vodka you enjoy drinking. Since this cocktail has just a few ingredients, the vodka matters. I prefer unflavored vodka for a classic lemon drop, but citrus vodka also works if you want extra lemon flavor.
- Cointreau – Cointreau adds a clean orange-citrus flavor that complements the fresh lemon juice. Triple sec also works, and Grand Marnier is a good substitute if you want a slightly richer orange flavor.
- Simple Syrup – This sweetens the cocktail and balances the tart lemon juice. You can use store-bought simple syrup or make your own simple syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water until dissolved, then cooling completely before using.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice is the key ingredient. Bottled lemon juice does not have the same bright, clean flavor, so squeeze a fresh lemon if you can.
- Superfine Sugar – Use this for the rim of the glass. It adds sweetness to each sip and makes the cocktail feel extra special.
- Lemon Twist or Lemon Wedge – A simple lemon twist or wedge makes the drink look polished and adds a fresh citrus aroma.
Pro Tip: For a fun twist, try honey simple syrup or lavender simple syrup instead of classic simple syrup.
How to Make a Lemon Drop Martini
You’re going to love how easy it is to make a classic Lemon Drop Martini. For exact ingredient measurements, scroll to the recipe card.
- Chill the glass.
Place your martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. A cold glass keeps the cocktail crisp and refreshing. - Rim the glass.
Run a lemon wedge around the rim, then dip the rim into superfine sugar. - Shake the cocktail.
Add vodka, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, or until the shaker feels very cold. - Strain and serve.
Strain the martini into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or wedge and serve immediately.
How to Rim a Glass with Sugar
A sugared rim is part of what makes a Lemon Drop Martini so good. It balances the tart lemon juice and adds a little sweetness to every sip.
- Add superfine sugar to a small plate.
- Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled martini glass.
- Turn the glass upside down and dip the rim into the sugar.
- Gently twist the glass so the sugar sticks evenly.
For even more lemon flavor, rub a little fresh lemon zest into the sugar before dipping the glass.
Kellie’s Tips for the Best Lemon Drop Martini
- Use fresh lemon juice. It gives the cocktail the brightest, cleanest flavor.
- Shake it well. A good 30-second shake chills the drink and slightly dilutes the vodka for a smoother sip.
- Don’t skip the sugared rim. It balances the tart lemon and makes the cocktail feel bar-worthy.
- Adjust the sweetness. Add a little more simple syrup for a sweeter martini or a little more lemon juice for extra tartness.
- Serve immediately. Lemon Drop Martinis are best when they’re ice cold.
Make-Ahead and Pitcher Instructions
Lemon Drop Martinis are best shaken fresh, but you can prep the cocktail mixture ahead of time if you’re serving guests.
To make 4 Lemon Drop Martinis, combine:
- 6 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces Cointreau
- 4 teaspoons simple syrup
- 3 ounces fresh lemon juice
Stir everything together in a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve. When it’s cocktail time, shake each serving with ice, then strain into prepared sugared glasses.
Lemon Drop Martini Variations
Once you master the classic version, it’s easy to make small changes to the flavor.
- Extra Tart Lemon Drop – Add a little more fresh lemon juice and reduce the simple syrup slightly.
- Citrus Vodka Lemon Drop – Use citrus vodka instead of plain vodka for extra lemon flavor.
- Honey Lemon Drop Martini – Swap the simple syrup for honey simple syrup.
- Lavender Lemon Drop Martini – Use lavender simple syrup for a light floral twist.
- Grand Marnier Lemon Drop – Use Grand Marnier instead of Cointreau for a richer orange flavor.
Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
- jigger or measuring cup
- measuring spoon
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
Instructions
- Chill martini glasses in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Run a lemon twist or lemon wedge around the rim of each chilled glass. Dip the rim into superfine sugar and set aside.
- Add vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 30 seconds, or until the shaker feels very cold.
- Strain into the prepared martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Lemon Drop Martinis are best served immediately after shaking.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- For a sweeter martini, add a little more simple syrup. For a tarter martini, reduce the simple syrup slightly or add an extra squeeze of lemon juice.
- To make a pitcher for 4 servings, combine 6 ounces vodka, 2 ounces Cointreau, 4 teaspoons simple syrup, and 3 ounces fresh lemon juice. Chill until ready to serve, then shake individual portions with ice and strain into sugared glasses.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Martini Recipes To Try
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Use a smooth vodka you enjoy drinking. You don’t need the most expensive bottle, but avoid very cheap vodka because this cocktail has a short ingredient list and the flavor will come through.
Yes. Triple sec works well in a Lemon Drop Martini. Cointreau has a smoother orange flavor, while Grand Marnier adds a richer finish.
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended. Bottled lemon juice does not have the same bright, fresh flavor and can make the cocktail taste flat.
Add a little more simple syrup. Start with a small splash, shake, taste, and adjust from there.
Use a little extra fresh lemon juice or reduce the simple syrup slightly.
