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The Perfect Lemon Drop Martini is made with vodka, triple sec, and simple syrup with fresh-squeezed lemon and a delicious homemade lemon sugar rim. Adjust the sweetness to your liking and enjoy the best recipe for a lemon drop martini!

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The Best Recipe for a Lemon Drop Martini!

When I last shared my Lemon Drop Shot recipe, y’all asked for something just as tasty and in the same vein. What could be the answer but the sour and lightly sweet classic Lemon Drop? Today, I’m sharing the Perfect Lemon Drop Martini recipe, featuring tart and bright fresh-squeezed lemon juice, as much or as little simple syrup as you’d like, and just the right amount of vodka and triple sec.

What’s a Lemon Drop?

The classic Lemon Drop martini recipe is a vodka-based cocktail drink that features fresh lemon juice, triple sec, and simple syrup for sweetness. It’s easy to make and strong with both vodka and Cointreau and the sharp citrus taste of fresh-squeezed lemon. To sweeten, we’ll be using simple syrup to taste. More for the sweet tooth, less for the brave. 😉

Hand placing a lemon twist onto the lemon sugared rim of a the perfect lemon drop martini.

Simple Lemon Drop Ingredients

To make a simple lemon drop martini, you’ll need just 4 ingredients:

  • Vodka – pick a high-quality vodka that’s your favorite. The taste will be very present in this martini.
  • Triple Sec or Cointreau
  • Lemon Juice – make sure it’s fresh-squeezed for the best flavor
  • Simple syrup – use 1 oz (or more) for a sweeter lemon drop, 1/2 oz for a less sweet drink. Also, try honey syrup to make a Honey Lemon Drop martini.
  • For the rim – make a lemon sugar for a highly-recommended sweet rim.
Two photos showing how to make a lemon drop martini - pouring and straining the lemon drop mixture into a martini glass.

How to Make a Lemon Drop

We’ll learn how to make a lemon drop drink with just a few quick ‘n easy steps.

  1. Make a batch of homemade lemon sugar. This ingredient really takes your lemon drop martini over the top, so don’t skip it.
  2. Run a lemon wedge over the rim of a martini glass. Then, dip the rim in lemon sugar to coat.
  3. Add vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice. Shake until chilled.
  4. Strain the lemon drop drink mixture into the martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist. Enjoy!
Someone adding a lemon twist garnish onto the glass of the best recipe for a lemon drop martini.

Tools You Need

Serving this cocktail recipe in a cocktail glass with a sugar rim and a cocktail set behind it.

For more delicious cocktails, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. If you’ve tried this recipe, take a pic and tag us on Instagram using #beamingbaker. We can’t wait to see it! Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️

Citrus & Martini Recipes

Closeup of lemon drop martini with lemon sugar rim and lemon garnish on a black background.
5 from 2 votes
Servings: 1 serving

The Perfect Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

The Perfect Lemon Drop Martini is made with vodka, triple sec, and simple syrup with fresh-squeezed lemon and a delicious homemade lemon sugar rim. Adjust the sweetness to your liking and enjoy this citrusy and bright martini recipe!
Prep: 2 minutes
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Ingredients 

Lemon Sugar

Lemon Drop Martini

Instructions 

  • Make a batch of lemon sugar. Run a lemon wedge along the edge of a martini glass. Dip the wet rim and coat in lemon sugar. Set aside while you make the Lemon Drop.
  • Add vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker halfway filled with ice. Shake until very chilled.
  • Strain over the lemon sugar-rimmed martini glass.
  • Garnish with a lemon twist. Sip and enjoy.
  • ★ Last Step: If you made this recipe, leave a comment and review. It truly helps our small business keep running and it helps readers like you!
Course: Cocktails, Drinks
Cuisine: American
Like this? Leave a comment below!
Photo of Demeter, author of the Beaming Baker blog.

Hi there!

I'm Demeter, it's nice to meet you! Here, you'll find easy recipes that are fun & approachable. I love cozy movies, a good mystery, and chocolate. Welcome!

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4 Comments

  1. Denise says:

    5 stars
    Whipped up a bunch of these for a bachelorette party and everyone loved them!

    1. Demeter Trieu says:

      Woohoo! Must have been so much fun. Glad you all enjoyed it!

  2. Stan says:

    5 stars
    Very easy to make and like the sour flavor of lemon. Think I could make this with gin?

    1. Demeter | Beaming Baker says:

      Thanks Stan! Hm, if you wanted to use gin in the same quantity that should be fine, just know that it will have a stronger taste, especially depending on what gin you use. Cheers!