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Make Me a Cocktail

Lemon Drop Martini
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.7 / 5

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You’ll find the Lemon Drop Martini sits in the bright, citrus-forward corner of the martini family: a vodka-based sour served... ... more

You’ll find the Lemon Drop Martini sits in the bright, citrus-forward corner of the martini family: a vodka-based sour served up in a cocktail glass. While its exact origin story varies depending on who’s telling it, it’s widely associated with the late-20th-century wave of “flavoured martinis” that brought sweeter, fruit-led drinks into bars and onto modern cocktail lists.

Here, lemon vodka sets a clean, zesty base that leans straight into citrus. Triple sec adds a layer of orange sweetness that softens the sharp edge of the lemon juice, keeping the drink from tasting too austere. The dash of sugar ties everything together, rounding out the acidity and giving you that familiar lemon-candy impression, with a crisp, tangy finish that stays refreshing rather than heavy.

Serve this when you want something lively and crowd-pleasing—ideal as an aperitif, for celebrations, or anytime you’re craving a “treat” that still feels sleek and grown-up. It’s a great pick if you like your cocktails on the tart side but balanced, and it especially suits fans of citrusy, vodka-forward drinks.
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Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
Cocktail Of The Day
Base ingredient
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Lemon vodka
Calories
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187 calories
Garnish
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Lemon
Alcohol content
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30% | 1.8 units *

Tags

Lemon vodka ingredient icon
Lemon vodka cocktails
Triple sec ingredient icon
Top ten Triple sec cocktails
Lemon vodka ingredient icon
Top ten Lemon vodka cocktails
tag icon
Strong cocktail

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

Lemon vodka and lemon juice lead with sharp, zesty citrus, while triple sec adds a sweet orange lift and the sugar dash rounds the edges into a candied lemon finish. It works because the sugar and triple sec soften the lemon’s bite without dulling it, making it ideal for sour-cocktail fans who like bright, clean sweetness.

Method
How to make a Lemon Drop Martini

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Lemon vodka 25ml, Triple sec 20ml, Lemon juice 15ml, Sugar Dash
Moisten the rim of a chilled cocktail glass and roll in sugar
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
Strain into the rimmed glass
Garnish with a twist of lemon peel and serve

Power tips
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Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can have a muted taste and lack the bright, fresh acidity that defines a great Lemon Drop Martini.
Zest a bit of lemon peel directly into the shaker before shaking. This releases essential oils from the peel that enhance the lemony aroma and flavor of the cocktail.
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Lemon Drop Martini masterclass

Master the craft of the Lemon Drop Martini cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses

Perfecting the Lemon Drop Cocktail

Discover the zesty world of the Lemon Drop Cocktail in our deep dive article! Uncover its intriguing...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Rim  ·  Shake  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  ·  Twist  · 

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FAQ's

Preparation techniques icon

What is the best way to serve a Lemon Drop Martini?

The best way to serve a Lemon Drop Martini is chilled in a cocktail glass. Optionally, you can rim the glass with sugar to add a sweet touch complementing the tartness of the lemon. The cocktail should be shaken with ice before straining into the glass to ensure it's cold.

Customization ideas icon

How can I adjust the sweetness of a Lemon Drop Martini?

To adjust the sweetness of a Lemon Drop Martini, you can vary the amount of sugar or Triple Sec in the recipe. If you prefer it sweeter, consider adding a little more sugar or a dash of simple syrup. For a less sweet variant, reduce the amount of Triple Sec slightly or increase the lemon juice to enhance the tartness.

Ingredient specifics icon

What type of lemon vodka is best for a Lemon Drop Martini?

For a Lemon Drop Martini, it's best to use a high-quality lemon-flavored vodka to get the cleanest and most vibrant lemon flavor. Brands that specialize in flavored vodka or have a reputation for purity and smoothness are ideal. Avoid very cheap options as they can introduce undesirable flavors.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can I make a Lemon Drop Martini without lemon vodka?

Yes, you can make a Lemon Drop Martini without lemon vodka by substituting plain vodka. To compensate for the absence of the lemon flavor from the vodka, increase the amount of fresh lemon juice or add a bit of lemon zest to the mixture before shaking it with ice. This will enhance the lemon character of the cocktail.

Origins history icon

What is the origin of the Lemon Drop Martini?

The Lemon Drop Martini is believed to have originated in the 1970s at Henry Africa's bar in San Francisco. It was created by the bartender, Norman Jay Hobday, as a variation of the vodka martini but with a sweeter, more palatable flavor profile. The drink quickly gained popularity for its delightful balance of sweet and sour tastes.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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