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A citrusy and bright martini that’s bursting with fresh lemon flavor: the best Lemon Drop martini recipe!

The best lemon drop martini recipe served in a martini glass with a lemon sugar rim and a lemon twist.

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 simple, classic Lemon Drop? Today, I’m sharing the best lemon drop martini recipe, featuring tart and bright fresh-squeezed lemon juice, as much or as little simple syrup as you’d like, and two bar-shelf staples: vodka and triple sec.

What’s a Lemon Drop?

A Lemon Drop is a vodka-based cocktail drink that features fresh lemon juice, triple sec, and simple syrup for sweetness.

What to Expect

This martini is very simply made, strong and potent 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 Lemon Drop.

Lemon Drop Ingredients

To make a lemon drop cocktail, 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.

How to Make a Lemon Drop

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

Start by making a batch of homemade lemon sugar. This ingredient really takes your lemon drop martini over the top, so don’t skip it.

Two photos showing how to make a lemon drop martini - pouring and straining the lemon drop mixture into a martini glass.

Run a lemon wedge over the rim of a martini glass to wet it. Then, dip the rim in lemon sugar to coat.

Now, add vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice. Shake until chilled.

Placing a garnish onto the rim of the glass.

Strain the lemon drop drink mixture into the martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist. Enjoy!

Tools You Need

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

For more delicious recipe ideas, 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 ❤️

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