The Lemon Drop Martini is a refreshing citrus cocktail. I love its perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. This alcoholic drink brightens any occasion with its lemony kick.
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Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
The Lemon Drop Martini is a popular cocktail for its harmonious balance between sweet and sour. It combines the zesty, tangy notes of freshly squeezed lemon juice with the sweetness of Triple Sec or Cointreau and a touch of simple syrup.
Despite its name, the Lemon Drop is not a traditional martini. Classic martinis are spirit-forward and typically involve gin or vodka with vermouth, whereas the Lemon Drop is sweeter and more citrus-driven.
The Lemon Drop Martini pairs well with sweet and savory dishes that highlight its citrusy flavor. For desserts, try lemon bars, shortbread cookies, cheesecake, lemon sorbet, lemon meringue pie, berry cobblers, or fruit tarts. These enhance the cocktail’s bright, sweet-tart profile.
For savory options, seafood like smoked salmon, herbed scallops, shrimp cocktail, or oysters works well. Light bites such as cheese platters, bruschetta, antipasto skewers, chips and salsa, flatbreads, cucumber sandwiches, pita with feta dip, turkey lettuce wraps, and Hawaiian sliders also complement the drink. Fresh salads, pasta dishes, or Caesar salad complete the pairing.
This cocktail is easy to make at home and is a perfect happy hour drink. Here is how to make the Lemon Drop Martini or Limoncello Martini:
Classic Lemon Drop Martini
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka e.g. Grey Goose, Deep Eddy, Tito’s
- 1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice You can use Meyer lemon
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Lemon zest for garnish
- Sugar for rimming the glass
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Chill your martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice cubes to the top. Pour in the vodka, triple sec or orange liqueur, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Put the lid on the shaker and shake for about 15-20 seconds.
- Take the chilled martini glass out of the freezer. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim to moisten it, then dip the rim into a plate of sugar, creating a sweet, frosted edge.
- Strain the shaken cocktail mixture into the prepared martini glass.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon zest. You can also add a lemon slice or a twist for an extra touch of citrus aroma.
- Serve your Lemon Drop Martini immediately and enjoy!
Similar Recipes:
Variations
Here are some notable variations and styles of this cocktail:
- Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini incorporates fresh strawberries or strawberry-infused syrup for a fruity, aromatic variation.
- Three-Ingredient Lemon Drop omits the orange liqueur. This version is more tart and straightforward but still refreshing.
- Blue Lagoon Martini substitutes blue curaçao for triple sec for a vibrant blue color and a slightly different citrus flavor.
- Lavender and Blueberry Lemon Drops add floral or berry notes to the classic lemon base.
- Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini uses Limoncello instead of triple sec and simple syrup.
- Lemon Drop Shot is a party-friendly variation served in shot glasses. It mixes vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup with a sugared rim.
- Double the Citrus Martini adds orange liqueur and using citrus-flavored vodka, garnished with an orange wedge.
- L.A. Drop Martini adds apricot for a smooth, musky complexity alongside the lemon and vodka.
Thank you for sharing such an easy and delicious recipe! I never imagined I could make a Lemon Drop Martini at home, but now I’m excited to give it a try.