Lemon Drop Martini (Only 4 Ingredients!)

The iconic Lemon Drop Martini! It’s sweet, sour, tart and refreshing. Whip up a batch of this lemon drop martini recipe in just 5 minutes!

This lemon drop recipe requires only 4 ingredients: vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. It’s the sister drink recipe to the Lemon Drop Shot.

More Drink Recipes: Strawberry Mule, Mulled Wine, Coquito, Michelada, Pink Starburst Shooter, Mexican Candy Shot, White Tea Shot, or Green Tea Shot.

Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

A lemon martini is an exceedingly easy drink recipe to make. It’s as easy to make as a Pineapple Martini or this Halloween themed martini – Vampire’s Kiss Cocktail.

It’s also easy to adjust the ingredients to suit it your exact taste. Like it on the sweet side? Add extra simple syrup. Like it tart? Reduce the simple syrup.

Lemon Drop Martini Ingredients

Wondering what’s in lemon drop martini recipes? Just a few ingredients you may already have at home. Here are some tips when shopping:

• Vodka – Use a vodka brand you enjoy. If you use bottom shelf, you’ll taste it. Our favorite mid-level vodka brands are SKYY and Smirnoff.
• Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice is hands down superior to the jarred junk. 
• Triple Sec – You can use either Triple Sec or Cointreau. 

Cointreau vs Triple Sec

Both triple sec and Cointreau are orange liqueurs, but Cointreau has a higher ABV and is more expensive. Use what you have on hand or go for what your budget allows. Both are amazing in a martini recipe. Read up more on Wikipedia.

Simple Syrup

We prefer making simple syrup vs using the pre-made stuff. If you’d like to make your own, here’s a quick simple syrup recipe to follow: Replacement for simple syrup:

Simple Syrup Recipe

• 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/4 cup Water

Add the water and sugar to a small saucepan over high heat. Heat until the granulated sugar is melted, no need to boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the simple syrup cool before adding to the cocktail shaker.

How To Make A Lemon Drop Martini

Only a few quick steps stand between you and lemon drop cocktail! Here’s how to make this lemony goodness:

• Place 1-2 tbsp. of sugar on a small plate. Make it uber fancy by mixing in some lemon zest.
• Place 1-2 tbsp of simple syrup on a second small plate. Dip the top of the martini glass into the simple syrup followed by the sugar to coat. Set aside.
• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice followed by the vodka, triple sec, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake well for 15-20 seconds.
• Pour the mixture into the martini glass and sip away!

Garnish Ideas

Elevate your martini game by adding a garnish to your glass. Here’s a few ideas:

• Lemon Wedges
• Lemon Sugar Rim
• Fresh Mint Leaves
• Fresh Basil Leaves
• Fresh Rosemary Sprig
• Fresh Raspberries
• Fresh Blueberries

Variations

There are many riffs to make an easy lemon drop martini. Here are some of the most popular variations:

Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini

Use blueberry vodka in place of regular vodka. It’s one of our favorite variations.

Citron Vodka

Use citron or citrus vodka in place of regular vodka for an extra citrus kick.

Basil Lemon Martini

Like herbaceous cocktails? To make a Lemon Basil Martini, muddle 2-3 basil leaves in the cocktail shaker before adding the ice.

Real Sugar

Use granulated sugar in place of simple syrup. Just use 1-2 tsp of sugar per batch.

Lemon Simple Syrup

If making your own simple syrup, squeeze some lemon juice to the mix to make a lemon simple syrup.

Drink Tips

• This Lemon Drop Martini recipe can easy turn into a party pitcher drink to serve on a larger scale. No edits to the proportions are needed. Just throw them all into a pitcher and shake over ice when ready to party!
• Don’t have simple syrup for the rim? Use honey or agave. If pressed for another option, just rub a slice on the lemon on the rim to coat before dipping in the sugar
• Don’t care for pulp? Use a fine mesh strainer to strain it out before pouring it into your cocktail shaker.
• If you don’t have a cocktail shaker just add everything to a large cup with ice and stir until mixed. Immediately pour the lemon drop shot into shot glasses as you don’t want the ice watering down the lemon drink.

When To Serve A Sweet Martini

Lemon shots are perfect for any occasions.

• Bachelorette Party
• Birthday Party
• Sunday Brunch
• Girls Weekend
• Graduation Party