This Lemon Drop Martini recipe has just enough sweet with just enough sour, and it is one of my favorite cocktail recipes! It is one of the most simple drinks to make, requiring only 3 ingredients, and this version doesn't need triple sec.
Quick Summary
- A 3-ingredient vodka cocktail made without triple sec.
- An easy way to keep your drink colder longer.
- Batch it in a pitcher when you're making drinks for a crowd.
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Key Ingredients
Lemons: Fresh lemon juice is best for this drink and I highly recommend you squeeze and strain your own lemons.
Vodka: Use a good quality smooth vodka. Check out this article on the best vodkas for martinis.
Simple Syrup: This can be bought at the store, but you can easily make it on your own. Just mix together equal parts sugar and water. Simmer over the stove until the sugar is dissolved. Cool completely before using.
Sugar: I like to use a coarse sugar for the sugared rim but feel free to use superfine sugar if that is what you have.
Lemon wedge or lemon peel: For garnish.
How to Make a Lemon Drop Martini
Juice and strain the lemons, then edge the rim of each glass with a lemon slice and dip it in sugar.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then pour the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup over the ice. Cover with the lid and shake until outside of the shaker is icy. Pour martini into prepared glass and garnish with a lemon wheel or twist.
Substitutions
- Use Absolut Citron vodka for more lemon flavor.
- Substitute the lemon juice with lime juice.
- Use maple syrup in place of the simple syrup.
Variations
- Coat the rim of the martini glass with corn syrup and crushed lemon drop candies in place of the sugar.
- For a homemade lemon sugar rim, rub the lemon zest into the sugar to infuse more lemon flavor.
- Add 2 ounces triple sec or Cointreau (an orange-flavored liqueur) in place of the simple syrup.
- Make the martini with sugar-free simple syrup for a low carbohydrate drink.
Tips
- Look for lemons that are firm but will give when gently squeezed.
- Microwave the whole lemon (before cutting) for 10 to 20 seconds to get the most juice from the lemon.
- Chill your glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before serving to keep your drink cold longer.
Lemon Drop Martinis for a Crowd
To make a pitcher, Mix xx ounces vodka, xx ounces fresh lemon juice, and xx ounces simple syrup. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
You May Be Wondering
Yes! This recipe doesn't use it at all. Simple syrup sweetens it instead. If you want the orange flavor, see Variations for how to add it.
More Martini Recipes
Looking for another martini to shake up? Here are a few more to try.
When you make this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and comment below to let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
📖 Recipe
Lemon Drop Martini
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 4 ounces vodka
- 2 ounces simple syrup
- 2 ounces lemon juice
- ice cubes
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 lemon wheels
Instructions
- Using a citrus reamer, juice and strain the lemons in a one cup measure.
- Edge the rim of the martini glass with a lemon slice. Dip the rim of the martini glass into the rimming sugar. Set the glasses aside.
- Pour the lemon juice, simple syrup, and vodka into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until the cocktail shaker is icy on the outside.
- Pour the martini into the prepared martini glasses (or any cocktail glass). Garnish with a lemon wheel.
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