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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!

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Lemon martini cocktail

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).

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 – stay in for drinks!

This is one of my favorite classic cocktail recipes, like my Pina Colada!

Lemon Drop Martini Recipe Video

Lemon martini ingredients

Ingredients in a Lemon Martini

Like a Lemon Drop shot, a Lemon Martini has just four ingredients:

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 (but there are several brands that make flavors these days).

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.

Simple Syrup: for sweetness, to taste.

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.

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:

  1. Mix equal parts granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan. I usually do 1 cup of each.
  2. Heat the mixture until it just comes to a simmer and all the sugar is dissolved.
  3. Remove from heat and place in a jar or pitcher and let cool completely before using.
  4. Store homemade simple syrup in the refrigerator. It’ll keep up to 2 weeks!

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:

  1. Simply add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  2. Cover and shake for at least 15 seconds, then strain into your martini glass.
  3. Serve it cold!!
Lemon drop martini

How to rim a cocktail glass with sugar

The tartness of a lemon drop is best served with a sugared rim. Sweet and tart in every sip.

To rim your glass:

  1. Run a slice of lemon around the edge of the glass to wet it.
  2. Place sugar on a plate.
  3. Tip the glass upside down in the sugar. The sugar will stick to the wet rim.

I also love garnishing this cocktail with a slice of lemon or a lemon twist. To make a lemon twist, slice a lemon. Cut the flesh and some of the white pith out of the slice, leaving the peel. Twist around your finger or a wooden spoon to create the twist.

FAQ

How to make a lemon drop martini stronger?

If you want it stronger add more vodka.

How to make a martini less strong?

Add more lemon juice and/or more simple syrup.

How do you make a lemon twist?

Slice a lemon thinly, then cut off the peel, twist and add to your cocktail.

Other martini recipes:

Have you made this recipe?

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Lemon drop martini

Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

5 from 17 votes
This Classic Lemon Drop 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.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Yield 1 cocktail
Serving Size 1 serving

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients
 

  • 3 ounces vodka
  • 2 ounces fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 ounce triple sec
  • 1/2-1 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 Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 58mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin C: 22mg
Nutritional information not guaranteed to be accurate
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Lemon drop martini

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.

Last Updated on July 21, 2022

Dorothy Kern

Welcome to Crazy for Crust, where I share recipes that are sometimes crazy, often with a crust, and always served with a slice of life.

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6 Comments

  1. Hi – thanks for the idea for a lemon drop drink! Had triple Sec in the house and didn’t know what to do with it. I Used lemonchello instead of sugar simple syrup and lemon juice – delicious!