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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!

lemon drink in martini glass with shaker behind

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!

ingredients in lemon drop

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.

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!
lemon drink in martini glass with shaker behind

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!!

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.

Tip From Dorothy

Expert Tips

  • 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.
  • Making ahead of time – mix the lemon juice with simple syrup and vodka, then just shake and pour when guests arrive.

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.

lemon drink in martini glass with shaker behind

Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

5 from 31 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
  • ½ ounce triple sec
  • ½-1 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 Video

Recipe Notes

  • 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.
  • Making ahead of time – mix the lemon juice with simple syrup and vodka, then just shake and pour when guests arrive.

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

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.

Favorite Martini Recipes

Last Updated on April 29, 2023

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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9 Comments

  1. You are my kitchen bible!! Love all all recipes! Keep them coming!! Because of you my friends and family thi I am a great cook

  2. 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!