Easy Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

By FoodfaithfitnessJul 11, 2023Jump to Recipe

Sip on a delightful Easy Lemon Drop Martini. Sophisticated yet simple to make, this cocktail is both refreshing and enticing, making it a must-try mix.

Table of Contents

We all like a little sass in our cocktails, am I right? Well, the cocktail I’m going to introduce to you today has got it in spades. It’s a little number called the Lemon Drop Martini — it’s got sass, zip, zing and everything else you want in a drink. The blend of vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup is just a burst of summertime yumminess in a glass.

I know we all love a Margarita or a Cosmo — iconic drinks, right? — but this Lemon Drop Martini can stand shoulder to shoulder with those cocktails. And because of its citrusy punch, I daresay it’s more suitable for summer afternoons spent with friends on a patio. I sometimes find the tequila of a Margarita a bit harsh, while a Cosmo feels like an evening drink to be sipped in minimalist bars with no lighting (you know what I’m talking about, right?). The Lemon Drop Martini is all about fun and sunshine (and vitamin C! Yes, it’s healthy… kinda.). Plus, it pairs nicely with these Low-Carb Lemon Bars, so there’s that.

Is There A Healthy/Non-Alcoholic Version?

If you’re trying to keep the carbs in check, switch up the simple syrup for a low-carb sweetener like stevia dissolved in water. If you’re a diligent shopper, you should also be able to find a low-sugar or sugar-free triple sec that will ease your cocktail guilt.

If you want a non-alcoholic version, leave out the vodka and triple sec. Use lemon-flavored soda or plain sparkling water. If you really want that orange flavor of the triple sec, add a splash of orange juice.

INGREDIENTS

Adjust the ratios depending on how strong you want the drink. Both vodka and triple sec are over 70 proof so be careful just how much you add.

2 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. triple sec
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup (Here’s my recipe if you want to make your own!)
ice

INSTRUCTIONS

The Rim

Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of the martini glass and dip the rim into the sugar to create a sugar rim. Set aside.

Shake

In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for 15-20 seconds.

Strain

Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass, and garnish with a lemon twist.

Tips & Tricks

Choose Quality Ingredients: The right pieces make the look. That means picking the best vodka and a decent triple sec for your mix. Ditch the bottled lemon juice and squeeze your own fresh ones.

Perfect The Sugar Rim: A sugar-rimmed glass is like the cocktail version of those sugar-coated lollipops we had as kids.

Chill Your Martini Glass: Pop your fancy martini glass in the freezer for a bit before making your drink to keep it chilled the whole time you’re sipping.

Vigorously Shake Your Cocktail: Give it a good 15-20-second shake to fuse the ingredients AND add a cute frothy touch to your cocktail.

Experiment With Garnishes: It’s a lemon-based drink so a lemon twist is the standard. But don’t think it’s de rigueur. Get creative! Try fresh herbs like mint or basil.

Variations

Citrus Burst Lemon Drop Martini: Mix in lime and orange juice and go all in on the citrus flavors.

Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini: Muddle some fresh raspberries in your shaker before adding in the cocktail mix. The result will look pretty enough to be framed.

Ginger Lemon Drop Martini: For a drink with a kick, use ginger syrup instead of simple syrup.

Espresso Martini: We are certainly getting away from citrus flavors but isn’t an espresso martini one of the best variations out there.

FAQs

How many calories are in an Easy Lemon Drop Martini?

A regular Lemon Drop Martini has 200-225 calories. That amount will fluctuate depending on the vodka and triple sec you use. If that range is too high for you, swap in a sugar substitute or use less simple syrup.

What’s the best way to drink an Easy Lemon Drop Martini?

It’s a martini so sipping is best to let that taste should linger on your tongue. And don’t forget about that sugar rim.

What type of vodka is best suited for an Easy Lemon Drop Martini?

The vodka serves as an alcoholic base; it should be neutral so that the triple sec and lemon flavors come out. Of course, if you want more lemon, there are flavored vodkas on the market you can try (I am not a big fan!).

Can I make an Easy Lemon Drop Martini without triple sec?

You can use another orange liqueur, like Cointreau or Grand Marnier. They differ in their sweetness so you may need to adjust the simple syrup.

How to Store A Lemon Drop Martini

To prep it in advance, mix the vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher or sealable container and pop it in the fridge for a few hours. HOLD OFF on adding ice until you’re ready to serve; otherwise, you’ll water the drink down.

Take it out of the fridge when it’s showtime, add the ice, and give it a good shake to re-mix the flavors before serving.

Recipe