Lemon Drop Martini

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This is the perfect Lemon Drop Martini Recipe! It has a refreshing, bright, tangy flavor and a delightful sugar rim made with simple ingredients.

This zesty martini cocktail is an excellent choice for almost every celebration! Its bright and clean lemon zing is balanced with sweetness, making it a crowd-pleaser at any event! This cocktail can be dressed with a Lemon Twist for a sophisticated look or garnished with a Lemon Wheel for a fun summery vibe.

What is in a Lemon Drop Martini

A Lemon Drop Martini comprises Vodka, Cointreau (or Triple Sec), Lemon Juice, and Simple Syrup.

• Vodka – Clear and strong grain alcohol. Our go-to vodka is Absolut Vodka, but you can use whatever you prefer. You may also want to try a citron vodka for an added hint of citrus flavor!
• Cointreau – For an orange liqueur, I prefer Cointreau for Lemon Drop Martini’s. However, Triple Sec can be substituted if you prefer. Cointreau has a more nuanced orange perfume taste, while Triple Sec has a more simple and intense flavor.
• Simple Syrup is a syrup made of water and sugar. It is excellent for sweetening cold drinks. Dial in the cocktail’s sweetness by adding or subtracting simple syrup.
• Lemon Juice – Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice is the best for this cocktail. It will give the drink its distinct lemon flavor and provide a texture that store-bought lemon juice lacks.
• Ice – This will only be used in the cocktail shaker, so the shape and size can be anything if it fits into the shaker. In the shaker, the ice will chill, aerate, and dilute the drink.
• Sugar – granulated white sugar will be used to rim the glass.
• Lemon Zest – The zest of a lemon can be mixed with granulated sugar to create a lemon zest sugar rim on your martini glasses. This step will elevate your drinking experience to the next level.

The equipment you will need

• Cocktail Shaker – A Boston shaker (two cups) or Cobbler Shaker (three pieces with a built-in strainer) can shake/mix this cocktail.
• Cocktail Strainer – If using a Boston Shaker, you must have a cocktail strainer to keep the ice out of your finished cocktail.
• Measuring Glass – A jigger can be used, but I prefer a graduated measuring glass for this cocktail.
• Martini Glass – A cocktail glass with a thin stem that flares out into a wide-rim bowl.
• Citrus Juicer – To make fresh squeezed lemonade, a citrus juicer is a must-have!
• Garnish – A lemon wheel is a great finishing touch on a Lemon Drop Martini. You can put it on the rim of the glass or float it in the drink. You can also create a lemon twist from the peel of lemon and place it in the drink.

How to Make a Lemon Drop Martini

To start making your Lemon Drop Martini, squeeze half a lemon. You can use store-bought lemon juice, but there is nothing like fresh-squeezed lemon juice!

Now, it is time to prepare the martini glasses. No lemon drop martini is complete without a sugar rim. Pour some fresh lemon juice into a shallow plate, and do the same with sugar. Dip the rim of the martini glass first into the lemon juice and then into the sugar.

To assemble the cocktail, combine Vodka, Cointreau, Lemon Juice, and Simple Syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add a handful of ice and shake for about 30 seconds or until very cold. Immediately strain into sugar-rimmed martini glasses and serve.

How to Make a Sugar Rim

A simple step that will elevate your cocktail game is a sugar rim! The granulated sugar rim is a pretty finishing touch and pairs perfectly with a Lemon Drop Martini’s tart flavor. Here is how to make the perfect sugar-rimmed martini glass:

1. On a shallow plate or countertop, spread an even layer of sugar.
2. Wetting the rim can be done in multiple ways. You can cut a lemon wedge and run it around the rim of the glass or fill a shallow plate with lemon juice and dip the rim into the juice.
3. Spin and tilt the glass in the sugar, making sure the rim is evenly coated.
4. Shake off the excess sugar, and you will be ready to pour your lemon drop Martini!

Mix lemon zest into your sugar to create a Lemon Sugar Rim for an added flare!

When to Serve a Lemon Drop Martini

A Lemon Drop Martini is a bright, tangy, and sweet cocktail. It is great for many occasions, including:

• New Year’s Eve Parties
• Christmas or Holiday Parties
• Cocktail Parties
• Girls night out
• Celebrations
• Dinner Parties
• Summer Cook Outs

More Classic Cocktails

Here are some more cocktail recipes that I think you will love!

• Espresso Martini
• Dirty Shirley Temple
• Mojito
• Mimosa