Sip on a delightful Easy Lemon Drop Martini. Sophisticated yet simple to make, this cocktail is both refreshing and enticing, making it a must-try mix.
We all like a little sass in our cocktails, am I right? Well, the cocktail I’m going to introduce to you today has got it in spades. It’s a little number called the Lemon Drop Martini — it’s got sass, zip, zing and everything else you want in a drink. The blend of vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup is just a burst of summertime yumminess in a glass.
I know we all love a Margarita or a Cosmo — iconic drinks, right? — but this Lemon Drop Martini can stand shoulder to shoulder with those cocktails. And because of its citrusy punch, I daresay it’s more suitable for summer afternoons spent with friends on a patio. I sometimes find the tequila of a Margarita a bit harsh, while a Cosmo feels like an evening drink to be sipped in minimalist bars with no lighting (you know what I’m talking about, right?). The Lemon Drop Martini is all about fun and sunshine (and vitamin C! Yes, it’s healthy… kinda.). Plus, it pairs nicely with these Low-Carb Lemon Bars, so there’s that.
Is There A Healthy/Non-Alcoholic Version?
If you’re trying to keep the carbs in check, switch up the simple syrup for a low-carb sweetener like stevia dissolved in water. If you’re a diligent shopper, you should also be able to find a low-sugar or sugar-free triple sec that will ease your cocktail guilt.
If you want a non-alcoholic version, leave out the vodka and triple sec. Use lemon-flavored soda or plain sparkling water. If you really want that orange flavor of the triple sec, add a splash of orange juice.
INGREDIENTS
Adjust the ratios depending on how strong you want the drink. Both vodka and triple sec are over 70 proof so be careful just how much you add.
- 2 oz. vodka
- 1/2 oz. triple sec
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup (Here’s my recipe if you want to make your own!)
- ice
INSTRUCTIONS
The Rim
Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of the martini glass and dip the rim into the sugar to create a sugar rim. Set aside.
Shake
In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for 15-20 seconds.
Strain
Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass, and garnish with a lemon twist.
Tips & Tricks
Choose Quality Ingredients: The right pieces make the look. That means picking the best vodka and a decent triple sec for your mix. Ditch the bottled lemon juice and squeeze your own fresh ones, ’cause it’s all about that tangy, real flavor.
Perfect The Sugar Rim: A sugar-rimmed glass is like the cocktail version of those sugar-coated lollipops we had as kids.
Chill Your Martini Glass: Pop your fancy martini glass in the freezer for a bit before making your drink to keep it chilled the whole time you’re sipping.
Vigorously Shake Your Cocktail: Give it a good 15-20-second shake to fuse the ingredients AND add a cute frothy touch to your cocktail. You’ll also feel the burn in your arms, so you can say you earned this Lemon Drop.
Experiment With Garnishes: It’s a lemon-based drink so a lemon twist is the standard. But don’t think it’s de rigueur. Get creative! Try fresh herbs like mint or basil, or even candy some lemon peel for some added sweetness.
Variations
Citrus Burst Lemon Drop Martini: Mix in lime and orange juice and go all in on the citrus flavors.
Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini: Muddle some fresh raspberries in your shaker before adding in the cocktail mix. The result will look pretty enough to be framed.
Spicy Ginger Lemon Drop Martini: For a drink with a kick, use ginger syrup instead of simple syrup. Sweet ‘n’ spicy. Fire ‘n’ ice. Have no one tell you YOU’RE not adventurous!
Herbal Lemon Drop Martini: Muddle in basil, mint or rosemary before shaking up your drink. Depending on which herbs you use, the result can taste very Zen, like you’re sipping a warm tea. A tea with vodka.
Espresso Martini: We are certainly getting away from citrus flavors but isn’t an espresso martini one of the best variations out there.
FAQs
A regular Lemon Drop Martini has 200-225 calories. That amount will fluctuate depending on the vodka and triple sec you use. If that range is too high for you, swap in a sugar substitute or ease up on the amount of simple syrup you add.
It’s a martini so sipping is best to let that taste should linger on your tongue. And don’t forget about that sugar rim; tilt your glass ever so slightly once it hits your lips so that your drink picks up an added sweetness.
When it comes to vodka, opt for a good-quality, unflavored one. The vodka serves as an alcoholic base; it should be neutral so that the triple sec and lemon flavors come out. Of course, if you want more lemon, there are flavored vodkas on the market you can try. Some taste more ‘synthetic’ than others so you may need to try more than one before you arrive at a taste you like.
You can use another orange liqueur, like Cointreau or Grand Marnier. Each one will bring a different sweetness level, so give your mix a taste test before you add the simple syrup.
How to Store A Lemon Drop Martini
To prep it in advance, mix the vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher or sealable container and pop it in the fridge for a few hours. Hold off on adding ice until you’re ready to serve; otherwise, you’ll water the drink down.
Take it out of the fridge when it’s showtime, add the ice, and give it a good shake to re-mix the flavors. Prep your glassware with the sugar rim and pour in the mix. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve!
Easy Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz. vodka
- 1/2 oz. triple sec
- 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz. simple syrup
- ice
Instructions
- Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of the martini glass and dip the rim into the sugar to create a sugar rim. Set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for 15-20 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass, and garnish with a lemon twist.
Notes
Nutrition
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