Go Back
Lemon Drop Martini: A Bright, Zesty Cocktail Classic

Lemon Drop Martini

A bright, balanced martini made with vodka, fresh lemon juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup. Serve it ice-cold with an optional sugar rim and lemon garnish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cocktail
  • 2 ounces Clean, smooth vodka
  • 1 ounce Fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 ounce Orange liqueur, such as triple sec or Cointreau
  • 1/2 ounce Simple syrup
  • As needed Ice
Garnish
  • Optional Granulated sugar for the rim
  • 1 Lemon wedge or lemon twist

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Chill a coupe or martini glass. If using a sugar rim, rub a lemon wedge around the rim and dip it into granulated sugar.
  2. Add the vodka, fresh lemon juice, orange liqueur, simple syrup, and plenty of ice to a cocktail shaker.
  3. Shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds, until the shaker is very cold.
  4. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass.
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist or lemon wedge and serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor. Start with 1/2 ounce of simple syrup, then use up to 3/4–1 ounce when the lemons are especially tart or when a sweeter cocktail is preferred. To make simple syrup, combine equal parts granulated sugar and water, such as 1/2 cup of each, warm or stir until dissolved, cool completely, and refrigerate in a sealed container.