BEST Classic Lemon Drop Martini - Crazy for Crust (2024)

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Written ByDorothy Kern

Updated OnFebruary 24, 2024

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If you love a good Lemon Drop Martini then you’re going to LOVE this recipe. It’s a Classic Lemon Martini with vodka and is just as good (or better) than you get at the bar. Make this easy drink at home with just a few simple ingredients. I must admit, I’ve made these one too many times lately!

BEST Classic Lemon Drop Martini - Crazy for Crust (2)

The BEST Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

Sometimes I get a craving for a super cold and tart vodka martini and I am just not satisfied until I have one. I usually gravitate between three martinis: a Cosmopolitan, a Midori Martini, and a Lemon Drop.

Each of those drinks have their own characteristics, depending on my mood and craving. When I want the tart and sweet flavor of lemon, I always reach for a lemon martini (rimmed with sugar, of course). The flavors of lemon and sweetness pair so well with vodka.

This is the BEST Lemon Drop Martini. It’s an easy co*cktail you can make at home with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have. Skip going out for happy hour – stay in for drinks! This is one of my favorite classic co*cktail recipes, like my Pina Colada!

BEST Classic Lemon Drop Martini - Crazy for Crust (3)

4 Ingredients in a Lemon Martini

Vodka: When it comes to vodka, use your favorite. My favorite plain vodka is Tito’s, and if you want, you could also use a citrus or lemon infused vodka. In that case I like Smirnoff or Skyy Citron Vodka.
Triple Sec: This is orange liqueur, and also known as Cointreau (which is the name brand). Any orange liqueur will work.
Lemon Juice: By all means, if you’re making a lemon drop martini, you MUST use fresh lemon juice. For one drink you only need the juice of about one lemon. You’ll also want a lemon wedge or lemon wheel for garnish.
Simple Syrup: for sweetness, to taste. Below the recipe is how to make your own simple syrup if you don’t have it on hand.

Click to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!

BEST Classic Lemon Drop Martini - Crazy for Crust (4)

How to make a Lemon Drop Martini

My two rules for martinis are: they must be shaken and they must be COLD. To mix up your Lemon Drop Martini:

Simply add all the ingredients to a co*cktail shaker filled with ice.
Cover and shake for at least 15 seconds, then strain into your prepared martini glass.
Serve it cold!!

How to rim a co*cktail glass with sugar

The tartness of a lemon drop is best served with a sugared rim. Sweet and tart in every sip.

To rim your glass:

Run a slice of lemon around the edge of a chilled martini glass to wet it.
Place sugar on a small plate.
Tip the glass upside down in the sugar. The sugar will stick to the wet rim of the glass.

I also love garnishing this co*cktail with a slice of lemon or a lemon twist. To make a lemon twist, slice a lemon. Cut the flesh and some of the white pith out of the slice with a sharp knife, leaving the peel. Twist around your finger or a wooden spoon to create the twist.

Tip From Dorothy

Expert Tips

Lemon Tip: to get the most juice possible out of the lemon, heat it in the microwave for 10 seconds, then roll it on the counter under your palm before juicing.
Making ahead of time – mix the lemon juice with simple syrup and vodka, then just shake and pour when guests arrive.

FAQ

How to make a lemon drop martini stronger?

If you want it stronger add more vodka.

How to make a martini less strong?

Add more lemon juice and/or more simple syrup.

How do you make a lemon twist?

Slice a lemon thinly, then cut off the peel, twist and add to your co*cktail.

Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

5 from 59 votes

This Classic Lemon Drop Martini Recipe is a lemontini everyone will love. Lemon Drops are made with vodka, lemon, triple sec and simple syrup and are so refreshing. This is a delicious and easy co*cktail recipe.

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Yield 1 co*cktail

Serving Size 1 serving

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Equipment

Ingredients

▢ 3 ounces vodka
▢ 2 ounces fresh lemon juice
▢ ½ ounce triple sec
▢ ½-1 ounce simple syrup or to taste
▢ Sugar and lemon twist for garnish

Instructions

Place a few tablespoons of sugar on a plate. Run a slice of lemon around the edge of a martini glass. Dip the glass upside down in the sugar to coat the rim.
Add all ingredients to a co*cktail shaker filled with ice. Shake, then strain into martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Lemon Tip: to get the most juice possible out of the lemon, heat it in the microwave for 10 seconds, then roll it on the counter under your palm before juicing.

Making ahead of time – mix the lemon juice with simple syrup and vodka, then just shake and pour when guests arrive.

Recipe Nutrition

Nutritional information not guaranteed to be accurate

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

How to make simple syrup

Sweetness in any co*cktail is to taste, and I’ll admit I like my drinks less sweet (which is why there is always a range of sugar/simple syrup given in the recipe). Simple syrup is my favorite way to sweeten a co*cktail, but you can use superfine sugar too.

You can buy simple syrup in the mixer section, but it’s SO easy to make your own:

Mix equal parts granulated sugar and water in a small saucepan. I usually do 1 cup of each.
Heat the mixture until it just comes to a simmer and all the sugar is dissolved.
Remove from heat and place in a jar or pitcher and let cool completely before using.
Store homemade simple syrup in the refrigerator. It’ll keep up to 2 weeks!

This Classic Lemon Martini Recipe is a lemontini everyone will love. Lemon Drops are made with vodka, lemon, triple sec and simple syrup and are so refreshing. This is a delicious and easy co*cktail recipe.

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Dorothy Kern

Welcome to Crazy for Crust, where I share recipes that are sometimes crazy, often with a crust, and always served with a slice of life.

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5 from 59 votes (49 ratings without comment)

16 Comments

Great recipe. I was looking for this years “Hello Summer” co*cktail. I think I found it. Very refreshing. Thank you!
Reply
Excellent recipe! Easy and tasty! Thanks!
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Absolutely delicious. Thanks for the recipe!
Reply
I make these on a regular basis..they are delicious. I use sweet and sour mix instead of simple syrup and its just as good. An outstanding co*cktail
Reply
Excellent-so easy to make!
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