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This Classic Lemon Drop Martini is cold, tart, refreshing, and just sweet enough and made with just 4 ingredients. I love a good lemon cocktail, but I prefer mine on the tart side rather than overly sweet, so you can easily adjust the sweetness to make this one exactly how you like it.
The BEST Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
When I’m craving a martini, I usually rotate between a Cosmopolitan, a Midori Martini, and a Lemon Drop, and when I want something bright and citrusy, this is the one. Fresh lemon juice is a must for me because with such a simple cocktail, you really taste every ingredient. And don’t skip the sugared rim: that little bit of sweetness with the tart lemon is part of what makes a Lemon Drop so good.
I also have two non-negotiable rules for martinis: they need to be shaken and they need to be cold. Shake this one really well, pour it into a chilled glass, and you have an easy cocktail that tastes like happy hour at home.
4 Ingredients in a Lemon Martini
- 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 Citron Vodka.
- 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. You’ll also want a lemon wedge or lemon wheel for garnish.
- Simple Syrup: for sweetness, to taste. Below the recipe is how to make your own simple syrup if you don’t have it on hand.
Click to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions. See below the recipe card for even more information: process shots, variations, FAQ and more.
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How to make a Lemon Drop Martini 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.
Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
Video
Equipment
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.
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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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FAQ
If you want it stronger add more vodka.
Add more lemon juice and/or more simple syrup.
Slice a lemon thinly, then cut off the peel, twist and add to your cocktail.
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:
- Mix equal parts granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan. I usually do 1 cup of each.
- Heat the mixture until it just comes to a simmer and all the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and place in a jar or pitcher and let cool completely before using.
- Store homemade simple syrup in the refrigerator. It’ll keep up to 2 weeks!
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.
Perfect lemon drop!
Glad you like it, Amy! Thanks.
Make this all the time! Delicious!
I made this last night and it was delicious. However, I used Cointreau.
I don’t know if it was just too low of a tolerance, but basically I felt drunk after one drink. Do you have any tips for slightly reducing the size but still following the “recipe”?
It’s a very strong drink! You could add some lemonade, or reduce the vodka a bit, and add more lemon juice and a bit more simple syrup
This was absolutely delicious. The ratio was perfect. The triple sec does not over power the cocktail. Did not need an expensive orange liqeur. The best recipe I have come across so far online. I doubled it. Thank you!!
Thank you for the kind words, Stephanie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe.
How would u make this in a big batch
Whenever I scale up a drink recipe I just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings I want.
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