The Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini is crisp, tart, and just sweet enough to keep you sipping. Lemon brings the sharp citrus bite, while cranberry rounds it out with a smooth, fruity finish. It’s bright in the glass, bold on the palate, and perfect for any season. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or mixing one up for yourself, this cocktail brings balance without being too serious. Shake it cold, strain it clean, and finish with a sugared rim or a twist of lemon. The Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini hits that sweet spot every time.

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Tasting Notes

The Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini is a tart, sweet, and citrusy cocktail with a vibrant twist. Vodka and limoncello provide a smooth, lemony backbone, while cranberry juice brings a touch of fruitiness and a gorgeous ruby hue. Lemon juice adds zesty brightness, and simple syrup rounds everything out with subtle sweetness. Finished in a sugar-rimmed glass and garnished with a lemon twist or cranberries, it’s a festive and refreshing sipper perfect for any occasion.

Equipment and Glassware

Use a cocktail shaker and jigger for mixing and measuring, and serve in a chilled martini glass. A shallow plate is helpful for rimming with sugar, and garnish tools like a zester or pick make for a polished presentation.

Ingredients

2 oz vodka
1.5 oz limoncello
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz cranberry simple syrup
Sugar optional, for rim
lemon twist or fresh cranberries, for garnish (if desired)

Instructions

Prepare the Glass: If you like a sugar-rimmed glass, start by running a lemon wedge around the rim of a martini glass. Dip the rim into a plate of sugar to coat it. Set the glass aside.
Mix the Ingredients: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, limoncello, lemon juice, and cranberry simple syrup.
Shake: Shake the mixture well until it’s chilled.
Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with a lemon twist or fresh cranberries if desired. Enjoy your Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini.

Pro Tips

Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
Chill your glass ahead of time for a longer-lasting, icy sip.
For a touch of elegance, add a few drops of cranberry bitters to intensify the flavor.
Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the simple syrup to taste.

When to Serve

The Cranberry Lemon Drop Martini is a fantastic choice for holiday gatherings, romantic date nights, or any occasion where you want to serve something citrusy with a hint of seasonal charm. Its vivid color and crisp flavor make it a festive alternative to the classic Lemon Drop, especially during fall and winter months.

The tartness of lemon is beautifully complemented by the sweet richness of cranberry, offering a balanced and refreshing experience in every sip. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this cocktail adds a splash of elegance and cheer to the moment—perfect for celebrating in style.

Recommended Brands

Vodka: Tito’s, Grey Goose, or Absolut
Limoncello: Pallini, Caravella, or Luxardo
Cranberry juice: Use 100% juice for a tart finish or cranberry cocktail for a sweeter sip
Simple syrup: Homemade (1:1 sugar to water) or store-bought

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