Lemon Drop Martini Cocktail & Shot Recipe: Easy Guide

As a cocktail enthusiast, I love the zesty kick of a well-made Lemon Drop Martini. This citrusy drink perfectly blends sweet and sour, with vodka as its base.

This classic recipe calls for vodka, fresh lemon juice, triple sec, and simple syrup, shaken with ice and strained into a sugar-rimmed martini glass.

I find the Lemon Drop Martini easy to make at home. The key is using fresh lemon juice—it makes a big difference in taste compared to bottled juice.

For the best flavor, I like to chill my martini glass before serving.

The Lemon Drop also works great as a shot. It packs the same citrus punch in a smaller package.

Whether you prefer the elegant martini or the quick shot version, this drink’s sunny flavor is sure to brighten up any occasion.

Lemon Drop Martini Cocktail Recipe

The Lemon Drop Martini is a refreshing citrus cocktail that’s easy to make at home. I’ll show you how to mix up this tart and sweet drink with just a few simple ingredients and steps.

Ingredients and Measurements

To make a Lemon Drop Martini, you’ll need:

• 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
• 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec or Cointreau
• 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
• Ice
• Sugar (for rimming the glass)
• Lemon twist or wheel (for garnish)

I recommend using high-quality vodka for the best flavor. Fresh lemon juice is key – don’t use bottled juice.

You can adjust the simple syrup to taste if you prefer a more or less sweet cocktail.

Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions

1. Rim a chilled martini glass with sugar:
   • Rub a lemon wedge around the rim
   • Dip the rim in sugar on a small plate
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until very cold.
5. Strain the mixture into your prepared martini glass.

The shaking is important to chill and mix the drink properly. Make sure to strain out all the ice as you pour.

Recipe Card

Garnishing and Presentation Tips

For a classic look, garnish your Lemon Drop Martini with a lemon twist:

1. Cut a strip of lemon peel with a sharp knife or peeler.
2. Twist it over the drink to release oils, then drop it in.

You can also use a thin lemon wheel placed on the rim of the glass.

For an extra touch, serve the cocktail with a sugar-coated lemon wedge on the side.

Chill your martini glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving. This keeps your drink colder for longer.

Serve immediately while the drink is ice-cold and the sugar rim is still intact.

Lemon Drop Shot Variation

I’ve found some tasty ways to change the classic lemon drop shot. These ingredients and prep method tweaks can create new flavors while keeping that signature citrus kick.

Ingredients Adjustment

For a fruity twist, I add 1/4 oz of fruit puree or liqueur to the basic recipe. Strawberry, watermelon, or blueberry work great.

I sometimes swap the plain vodka for a flavored version like vanilla or citrus.

I cut the sugar rim and use less simple syrup to make it less sweet.

For a herbal note, I muddle fresh herbs like basil, mint, or thyme in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. This adds a nice aroma and subtle flavor.

Preparation Technique

I’ve played with different shaking techniques to change the texture. For a frothier shot, I do a “dry shake” without ice first, then add ice and shake again. This creates a silky foam on top.

I scale up the recipe and use a blender to make multiple shots at once. I blend with ice, then strain into shot glasses for a slushy version.

I carefully pour grenadine into the glass after the lemon drop mixture for a layered look. It sinks to the bottom for a cool effect. I garnish with a small lemon wheel or twist on the rim for a fancy touch.