Lemon Drop Martini

The Lemon Drop Martini is a bright, crisp cocktail that perfectly balances tart citrus with a touch of sweetness. Popular since the 1970s, it’s a refreshing choice for those who enjoy clean, zesty flavors with a smooth finish. Vodka creates a crisp base, triple sec or Cointreau adds a delicate orange note, and fresh lemon juice provides a lively tang. A sugared rim offers just enough sweetness to balance the acidity, while the garnish gives a final burst of fresh aroma. Served ice-cold, this martini is equally at home at a summer gathering or as a cheerful pre-dinner drink.

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Tasting Notes

The Lemon Drop Martini delivers a crisp and refreshing citrus profile with a smooth balance of sweet and tart. Vodka provides a clean foundation, allowing the bright lemon flavor to shine. The triple sec adds subtle orange notes, complementing the citrus without overpowering it. Simple syrup rounds out the acidity, giving the drink a pleasant smoothness. The sugared rim provides a touch of sweetness with every sip, while the lemon garnish adds a fresh aroma. Served chilled in a cocktail glass, the Lemon Drop Martini is light, flavorful, and easy to enjoy from the first sip to the last.

Equipment and Glassware

Making a Lemon Drop Martini requires only a few key tools. A quality cocktail shaker ensures the ingredients blend evenly and chill quickly. A jigger is essential for precise measurements to maintain balance. A citrus juicer helps extract fresh lemon juice for a clean, bright taste. A small plate is useful for holding sugar when rimming the glass. A fine strainer or standard cocktail strainer ensures a smooth pour without ice shards. Serve the drink in a chilled cocktail or martini glass to enhance presentation and maintain temperature. Fresh ice is essential for shaking and achieving a frosted shaker exterior.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
• Chill the glass beforehand for a longer-lasting cold drink.
• Fine strain to avoid ice shards.
• Shake firmly to fully blend and chill the ingredients.
• Use quality vodka for a smoother finish.
• Keep the sugar rim neat for better presentation.
• Adjust simple syrup for your preferred sweetness.
• Cointreau will give a richer citrus note than standard triple sec.
• Ensure ice is fresh for clean flavor.
• Serve immediately while cold.

When to Serve

The Lemon Drop Martini is ideal for warm-weather gatherings, dinner parties, and celebratory events. Its crisp, citrus-forward profile makes it especially refreshing in spring and summer, though it works year-round as a bright pre-dinner drink. Its balanced sweetness and tartness appeal to a wide range of palates, making it a reliable choice for social occasions. The sugared rim and fresh lemon garnish also make it visually appealing, perfect for special toasts or festive evenings. Whether served at an intimate get-together or a lively celebration, the Lemon Drop Martini’s approachable yet refined flavor profile makes it a consistent crowd-pleaser.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Vodka

• Grey Goose
• Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• Ketel One

Triple Sec / Orange Liqueur

• Cointreau
• Combier
• Grand Marnier

Simple Syrup

• Monin Pure Cane Syrup
• Liber & Co. Classic Gum Syrup
• Small Hand Foods Simple Syrup