The lemon drop martini is a bright, refreshing cocktail that balances tart citrus with a touch of sweetness. Made with fresh lemon juice, vodka and a splash of orange liqueur, it’s shaken with ice until cold and served for a crisp, invigorating drink. This classic cocktail is perfect for entertaining or for a quiet evening at home.
I like cocktails a bit more sour than sweet, and while I often use a 2:1 sour-to-sweet ratio, the lemon drop martini benefits from nearly equal parts lemon juice and simple syrup. Fresh lemon is very tart and sometimes astringent; the simple syrup and orange liqueur soften its edge and round out the flavor.
The proportions in this recipe—slightly less sweet than sour—let the lemon shine without overwhelming the vodka and orange liqueur. The result is a well-balanced, bright martini that’s refreshing without being puckering.
For an extra lemony touch, try using lemon-infused vodka in this recipe.
Helpful tips
- Chill your glassware in the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving to keep the martini icy longer.
- If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can use equal parts simple syrup and lemon juice. Start with a slightly more sour ratio (.75 sweet to 1 sour) and adjust to taste.
- When selecting lemons, choose the heavier ones—hefting a lemon in your hand is the easiest way to tell if it has plenty of juice.
- Smell the lemon before you buy it: a stronger citrus aroma usually indicates a fresher, juicier fruit.
- Thinner rinds usually mean more juice. Roll lemons on the counter with your palm before juicing to help release more juice.
- Garnish options include lemon wheels (which float nicely), twists, zest or wedges.
- Rimming the glass with granulated sugar adds sweetness and a decorative touch; try it both ways to see what you prefer.
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How to make a lemon drop martini
Pre-step
Have two martini glasses and a measuring cup ready. Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice. Slice a couple of thin lemon wheels for garnish—these float nicely in the glass.
Step one
Gather the ingredients: vodka, Cointreau or other orange liqueur, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup.
Step two
Measure 4 ounces (about 120 ml) of vodka.
Step three
Measure 1.5 ounces (about 45 ml) of Cointreau or triple sec.
Fresh Lemon Juice
Step four
Squeeze fresh lemons to yield 2 ounces (about 60 ml) of lemon juice. Often one good lemon is enough.
Step five
Measure 1.5 ounces (about 45 ml) of simple syrup and prepare two thin lemon wheels for garnish.
Step six
Cap the shaker and shake vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Strain the mixture evenly into the chilled martini glasses and float a lemon wheel in each glass. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Here’s a vertical view of the finished cocktail for presentation inspiration.
I hope you enjoy this lemon drop martini—bright, balanced and very drinkable.
Other popular lemon recipes
- Lemon curd margarita
- Sage limoncello martini
- Aviation cocktail
- Naked lady cocktail
- Lemon infused vodka
And as always, may all your dishes and drinks be delish! If you make this recipe, leave a comment to share how it turned out.
Lemon Drop Martini Cocktail
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Ingredients
- 4 ounces vodka (I used Grey Goose)
- 1.5 ounce Cointreau (or triple sec)
- 2 ounces lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1.5 ounces simple syrup
Garnish
- 2 lemon wheels
Instructions
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Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
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Add vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice and simple syrup.4 ounces vodka, 1.5 ounce Cointreau, 2 ounces lemon juice, 1.5 ounces simple syrup
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Cap shaker, shake for 20 seconds, then strain equally into the martini glasses.
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Float lemon wheels in each cocktail.2 lemon wheels
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Sip, smile, and enjoy.
Equipment
Notes
Helpful tips
- Chill glassware before serving.
- Adjust simple syrup to taste if you prefer a sweeter cocktail.
- Choose heavy, fragrant lemons for the most juice.
- Roll lemons before juicing to release more juice.
- Garnish with wheels, twists, zest or wedges as you like.
- Rimming the glass with sugar is optional.