Paul Kushner
Fruity, tart, and irresistibly smooth, the Raspberry Lemon Drop is a vibrant twist on the classic lemon drop martini. Fresh muddled raspberries add a juicy, slightly sweet depth, while vodka, triple sec, and fresh lemon juice create the perfect citrusy balance. A touch of simple syrup rounds out the flavors, making each sip refreshing yet delightfully tangy. Strained into a chilled martini glass and garnished with raspberries and a lemon twist, this elegant cocktail is perfect for a sophisticated happy hour or a refreshing summer indulgence!
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Tasting Notes
The Raspberry Lemon Drop is a bright and refreshing cocktail that balances tart lemon, sweet raspberries, and smooth vodka. The muddled raspberries add a natural berry flavor and a gorgeous pink hue, while triple sec enhances the citrus notes. A sugared rim can add an extra touch of sweetness.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a cocktail shaker for mixing, a fine mesh strainer to remove raspberry pulp, and a martini glass for serving. A muddler helps extract the fresh raspberry juices, and a jigger ensures accurate measurements.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Fresh raspberries about 6-8
- Extra raspberries and a lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle the raspberries in the shaker to release their juice.
- Add the vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice to the shaker.
- Shake it up well until it’s nicely chilled.
- Strain the mixture into your chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a few raspberries and a twist of lemon peel.
Pro Tips
- For a more intense raspberry flavor, add a splash of raspberry liqueur like Chambord.
- Double strain through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth texture without raspberry seeds.
- Use premium vodka for a cleaner taste—flavored raspberry or citrus vodka can add extra depth.
- For extra sweetness, rim the glass with sugar before pouring.
When to Serve
This cocktail is perfect for brunch, summer gatherings, date nights, and girls’ nights. Its vibrant color and refreshing taste make it a great celebratory drink for events like Valentine’s Day, bridal showers, or cocktail parties.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
For vodka, Tito’s, Grey Goose, or Ketel One are great options. Cointreau or Grand Marnier make excellent triple sec choices. If using raspberry liqueur, Chambord is a luxurious addition.
Similar Cocktails
If you enjoy Raspberry Lemon Drop, here are five similar cocktails to try:
- Kiwi Lemon Drop
- Cherry Lemon Drop Cocktail
- Mango Lemon Drop Martini
- Watermelon Lemon Drop
- Pineapple Lemon Drop
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Fresh raspberries about 6-8
- Extra raspberries and a lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle the raspberries in the shaker to release their juice.
- Add the vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ice to the shaker.
- Shake it up well until it's nicely chilled.
- Strain the mixture into your chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a few raspberries and a twist of lemon peel.
