The Blackberry Lemon Drop is a vibrant twist on the classic lemon drop martini, blending tart citrus with juicy, fresh blackberries. Vodka and triple sec create a smooth, citrus-forward base, while simple syrup balances the tanginess of fresh lemon juice. Muddled blackberries give the cocktail its beautiful jewel-toned color and a burst of natural sweetness. Served in a sugar-rimmed martini glass and garnished with a lemon twist and fresh berries, this drink is as stunning to look at as it is refreshing to sip perfect for warm evenings, brunch gatherings, or anytime you want a fruity, elegant cocktail.
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Tasting Notes
The Blackberry Lemon Drop delivers a perfect mix of tart, sweet, and fruity flavors. Fresh blackberries provide a rich, slightly tangy berry note, while the lemon juice adds a crisp, refreshing acidity. Vodka forms a clean base, allowing the fruit flavors to shine, and triple sec adds a touch of citrus sweetness for balance. Simple syrup rounds out the sharper edges, making the drink smooth without losing its bright character. The sugar rim gives a pleasant crunch with every sip, and the garnish of blackberries and lemon twist adds both aroma and visual appeal for a vibrant, refreshing presentation.
Equipment and Glassware
To prepare the Blackberry Lemon Drop, you’ll need a cocktail shaker for combining and chilling the ingredients. A muddler is essential for crushing the fresh blackberries and releasing their juice. Use a jigger for precise measurements, ensuring balanced flavor. A fine mesh strainer will help achieve a smooth pour, keeping seeds and pulp out of the drink. A citrus juicer or handheld reamer is ideal for extracting fresh lemon juice. A shallow plate will be useful for rimming the glass with sugar. Serve in a chilled martini or coupe glass, which showcases the drink’s deep berry hue and keeps it cold.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 5 blackberries
- Sugar for rimming
- Garnish: lemon wheel and extra blackberries
Instructions
- Dipped the rim of the glass in simple syrup then dip in a plate of sugar
- Muddle the blackberries in the shaker to release their juice and flavor.
- Add the vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a good amount of ice.
- Shake it all up until it’s well mixed and chilled.
- Strain it into your chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a couple of blackberries on top.
Pro Tips
- Use ripe, fresh blackberries for the fullest flavor.
- Double strain to remove all seeds and achieve a smooth texture.
- Chill the serving glass beforehand to keep the drink colder.
- Adjust simple syrup to taste for desired sweetness.
- Use premium vodka for a cleaner, smoother base.
- Express lemon twist oils over the drink before garnishing.
- Keep blackberries for garnish whole for a polished look.
When to Serve
The Blackberry Lemon Drop is an excellent choice for spring and summer gatherings, thanks to its bright flavor and fresh fruit base. Its colorful presentation makes it a standout for parties, bridal showers, or cocktail nights with friends. The balance of tart lemon and sweet blackberry makes it appealing for both casual sipping and more formal occasions. Serve it as a pre-dinner cocktail to stimulate the palate or as a signature drink for outdoor events. The sugar rim and berry garnish add a touch of style, making it as visually striking as it is refreshing to drink.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Vodka
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Ketel One
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Absolut
Triple Sec
- Cointreau
- Combier Liqueur d’Orange
- Luxardo Triplum
- Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao
- Bols Triple Sec
Similar Cocktails
- Kiwi Lemon Drop
- Cherry Lemon Drop Cocktail
- Mango Lemon Drop Martini
- Watermelon Lemon Drop
- Pineapple Lemon Drop
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 5 blackberries
- Sugar for rimming
- Garnish: lemon wheel and extra blackberries
Instructions
- Dipped the rim of the glass in simple syrup then dip in a plate of sugar
- Muddle the blackberries in the shaker to release their juice and flavor.
- Add the vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a good amount of ice.
- Shake it all up until it’s well mixed and chilled.
- Strain it into your chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a couple of blackberries on top.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use ripe blackberries for the sweetest, juiciest flavor.
- Double strain to remove seeds and pulp for a smoother drink.
- Pre-chill your glass in the freezer to keep the cocktail icy cold longer.
Sounds great, and thanks for the recipe, however you forgot to mention the amount of lemon juice. 1/4 oz? 1/2 oz? Splash? Thanks for the great site!
oops, good catch. it is 3/4 oz
I made this drink twice this week for my friends. It was a huge hit, not very sweet and so beautiful
So happy to hear that!