Lemon Drop Martinis are a fresh and delicious citrusy drink!  A squeeze of fresh lemon, some vodka and a bit of sugar make this easy cocktail extra quick.

Unlike a classic martini, this is served a bit sweet instead of dry for the perfect easy drink!

Lemon drop in a glass with lemon peel as garnish

What’s in a Lemon Drop?

A lemon drop needs just a few simple ingredients:

Vodka This is the base of the drink, use whatever your usual preference is. Titos is a great choice!

Triple Sec Triple sec is a bit sweet with an orange flavor. I add just a bit to this drink. You can substitute Cointreau if you have it on hand (or you can leave it out if you prefer).

Lemon Juice Splurge on real lemons and real lemon juice, this drink doesn’t work well with bottled lemon juice. The bottled lemon juice is much more bitter.

Simple Syrup  Some recipes call for superfine sugar but I prefer to use simple syrup. Simple syrup is a mixture of equal parts water and sugar and it’s easy to make (no need to buy it).

Ingredients for Lemon Drop Martini and lemon drop martini in a glass measuring cup

How to Make a Lemon Drop Martini

If time permits I love to place the martini glasses in the freezer while I start to prepare the drinks.

  1. Glass: Rub a wedge of lemon around the rim of each glass and then dip the rim in superfine sugar.
  2. Mixture: Combine all ingredients in a martini shaker and shake it until icy cold, or pour directly into the glass and stir!
  3. Garnish: Pour into prepared glasses, garnish with a lemon slice or a blueberry or two and serve!

That’s it! Just 3 simple steps to a delicious and zesty cocktail that everyone will enjoy! Cheers!

Lemon drop martini with lemons in the background

Shaken vs. Stirred – Which is Best?

Whether you serve a martini in a martini glass or pour from a pitcher for a crowd, be sure to garnish with a lemon slice! While shaken is most common in a cocktail containing dairy, there is no taste difference here between shaken or stirred. It’s simply a matter of preference, so ask your guests which style they prefer!

But if it’s good enough for James Bond, it’s good enough for me! I’ll be taking mine shaken (extra cold) not stirred, please. Shaking the martini creates an extremely icy, somewhat cloudy martini, which is perfect for this cocktail!

Classic Cocktails

Lemon drop in a glass with lemon peel as garnish
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Lemon Drop Martini

Whether serving by the glass or pouring from a pitcher, be sure to garnish with a lemon slice or toss in a blueberry or two.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1 martini

Ingredients  

  • 1 ounce vodka
  • ½ ounce triple sec
  • ounce simple syrup or to taste
  • ¾ ounce lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • ice
  • sugar
  • lemon slices

Instructions 

  • If time allows, place martini glass in the freezer at least 15 minutes.
  • Rub the edge of a martini glass with a lemon wedge. Dip the glass in a plate of sugar to coat the edge. Set aside.
  • In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, triple sec, simple syrup and lemon juice. Shake well until chilled.
  • Pour into prepared glass and serve immediately.

Notes

To make for a crowd, mix a larger batch and keep on ice. To serve each guest, pour out one serving and shake well as directed.
5 from 4 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 139 | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 7mg | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin C: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Beverage
Cuisine American

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Ingredients for Lemon Drop Martini and lemon drop martini in a glass with a title

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About the author

Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
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