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The Best Lemon Drop Martini Recipe: Zesty and Sweet Perfection

A vibrant yellow lemon drop martini served in a coupe glass with a thick, sparkling sugar rim.

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Make the classic Lemon Drop Martini at home! This recipe delivers the perfect balance of tart lemon and sweet simple syrup, finished with a beautiful sugared rim. It is a quick, refreshing vodka cocktail ideal for happy hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz Vodka
  • 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 oz Triple Sec (or Cointreau)
  • 0.75 oz Homemade Simple Syrup
  • Lemon peel or wheel, for garnish
  • Fine granulated sugar, for rim

Instructions

  1. Prepare the glass: Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled martini glass. Roll the outer edge of the rim in fine granulated sugar to create a sugared rim. Set the glass aside.
  2. Combine ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add ice, vodka, fresh lemon juice, triple sec, and simple syrup.
  3. Shake well: Close the shaker and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is very cold, about 15 to 20 seconds. This chills and slightly dilutes the drink perfectly.
  4. Strain: Double strain the mixture into your prepared, sugar-rimmed martini glass.
  5. Garnish: Garnish with a fresh lemon peel twist or wheel. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, make your own simple syrup by dissolving equal parts sugar and hot water, then cooling it completely.
  • Adjust the simple syrup amount if you prefer a tarter or sweeter drink. This recipe aims for a balanced, tart and sweet cocktail.
  • If you are making Lemon Drop Shots, reduce the volume of each ingredient proportionally and serve in shot glasses.

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