10 drinks to make
with Lemon Vodka
WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT
Maybe it’s the sheer versatility of Absolut Citron, capable of elevating a wide range of drinks and shining bright on the rocks. Or perhaps it’s because it inspired the iconic Cosmopolitan. Or maybe, it’s the fact that it’s just so damn delicious. Whatever the reason, the unwavering popularity of Absolut Citron, our Lemon-Flavored Vodka, is undeniable.
And for good reason. With its bright and zesty Lemon flavor, Absolut Citron has earned its place as a must-have for home bars, serving as the perfect foundation for timeless classics and innovative cocktails alike. From Martinis to Spritzes and Negroni variations, the number of incredible cocktails you can make with Absolut Citron is countless.
To get you started, we highlight 10 of our favorite cocktail recipes with Absolut Citron, including some favorites (see the video at the top of this page) of Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan – Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador. Let’s go!
1. Lemon Drop Martini
As Rico says, “When life gives you lemons, you get a bottle of Absolut Citron and make Lemon Drops!”
The Lemon Drop Martini is a classic Vodka cocktail that packs big citrus flavors into a neat and elegant Martini Glass.
It captures the nostalgic flavor of the classic Lemon Drop candy, which inspired its name, combining Absolut Citron, Triple Sec, and Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice, perfectly balanced by a touch of Simple Syrup.
Discover our recipe for the Lemon Drop Martini.
2. Citron Gimlet
A bona fide classic, the Gimlet flourished in the 20th century golden age of the cocktail and it’s still here today. And for good reason – it’s simple to make and delicious to drink.
The original recipe uses Gin but here the zesty character of Absolut Citron scythes through the sweetness of the Simple Syrup to create something truly special.
Lime Juice, Lime Peel, Lemon-Flavored Vodka – it really is the ultimate trio. Here’s how to make a Citron Gimlet.
3. Long Cosmopolitan
Here’s a Long Drink variation of the classic Cosmopolitan. This is the laidback little sister who is just as happy having a chilled night in as she is hitting the town.
It still has the zesty natural Lemon flavor of Absolut Citron, of course, but it’s all layered and lengthened into an easy-to-mix Highball Glass.
Unlike its A-listed big sister, the Long Cosmopolitan is a stirred drink, not a shaken drink. An essential summer addition, learn how to make a Long Cosmopolitan.
4. Absolut Mango Crush
This cocktail is a testament to just how easy it is to make a great drink with Absolut Citron. Fill your Cocktail Shaker with Ice, pour in Absolut Citron, Mango Purée, and some Fresh Lime Juice. Shake and strain into a Rocks Glass filled with Crushed Ice and garnish with a slice of Mango. So simple yet so satisfying.
Trust us, the flavor combination of Mango and Lemon and Lime – zesty and fresh and sweet and tropical – works so, so well. Discover the recipe for the Absolut Mango Crush.
5. Lemon Drop Shot
The Lemon Drop Shot is related to the early mentioned Lemon Drop Martini and it’s true what they say: good things come in small packages.
Lively, sweet and zesty all at once, the Lemon Drop Shot is the ultimate shot to serve on a tray at parties.
Its flavor is reminiscent of the classic Lemon-flavored candy, Lemon Drop, hence the name. It combines zesty, Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice with Absolut Citron, which is then sweetened and balanced out with its Sugar-coated Shot Glass.
Oh, and because it’s a shot, all the flavor is concentrated, resulting in a sweet and sour flavor explosion. So simple, yet so, so good. Discover our recipe for the Lemon Drop Shot.
6. Swedish Spritz
Could this drink be any more Swedish?
The Swedish Spritz is like Midsummer in a glass. Strawberries? Check. Elderflower? Check. Dill? Check.
The savory ingredients of this drink make it both truly unique and distinctly Swedish, while the Absolut Citron brings the bright summery vibes with its lovely burst of Lemon flavor.
Whether you’re celebrating Midsummer—or just wishing it was summer—raise your glass and toast to the flavors of Sweden. Skål!Here’s how to make the Swedish Spritz.
7. Absolut Negroni
The Negroni is a certified classic and one of the most beloved cocktails in the world. Here, the Negroni is given an incredible Lemon-y transformation.
Where a traditional Negroni uses Gin, the Absolut Negroni uses Absolut Citron
instead. And it works a treat where the Lemon notes intertwine perfectly with the Italian bitter red liqueur.
Impress your friends at your next gathering with this stunning Negroni variation. Here’s how to make a Negroni variation with Lemon-Flavored Vodka.
8. Aligatorade
“It’s a five out of five drink,” says Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan – Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador. “It’s like a summer’s day in paradise”.
OK, so Rico might also be the creator of this drink, but, trust us, he’s not being biased – the Aligatorade is an incredible drink. It mixes Absolut Citron,
Coconut Water, Lime Juice, a dash of Bitters and a slice of Pineapple to garnish.
Fresh, citrusy, it’s a high-summer sipper. Learn how to make the Aligatorade
9. Absolut Citron Espresso Martini
Here’s another lemon-y twist on an absolute classic cocktail recipe. It’s the beloved Espresso Martini like you’ve never seen before.
In southern Italy, an Espresso is typically served with a piece of Lemon Zest, so you could say the Absolut Citron Espresso Martini is a nod to southern Italy. It mixes Absolut Citron, Kahlúa
coffee liqueur, Fresh Espresso, and a hint of
Simple Syrup, then garnished with three whole Coffee Beans. And, well, it’s perfect.
Discover our recipe for an Espresso Martini with Absolut Citron.
10. Cosmopolitan
Have we saved the best for last? Maybe. But even if that isn’t the case, no drinks list for Absolut Citron would be complete without the one and only, Cosmopolitan.
The Cosmo is one of the most iconic cocktails and it’s all thanks to Absolut Citron. Made with our beloved Lemon-Flavored Vodka, Cranberry Juice, Triple Sec, and Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice, the Cosmopolitan is a classic and the symbol of modern cocktail culture.
Sip and savor the wonder that is the Cosmopolitan. Discover how to make a classic Cosmo with our cocktail recipe.
MORE GREAT DRINKS TO MAKE WITH ABSOLUT CITRON:
Cosmojito
Absolut Citron, Cranberry Juice (sweetened), Triple Sec, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Mint Leaf, Soda Water
Absolut Citron Passion Star Martini
Absolut Citron, Passion Fruit Purée, Vanilla Syrup, Passion fruit, Pineapple, Champagne
White Cosmopolitan
Absolut Citron, Triple Sec, Lime Juice, White Cranberry Juice, Orange Zest
Not-So-Cosmopolitan
Absolut Citron, Triple Sec, Passion Fruit Purée, White Cranberry Juice, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Blue Curacao, Carambola
Basil Lemon Drop Martini
Absolut Citron, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Orange Curacao, Basil, Lemon
Cocktail recipes by ingredient
Top ten drinks for any occasion
Lemon Drop Shot
Absolut Citron, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Lemon, Sugar, Superfine, Ice Cubes
Cosmopolitan
Absolut Citron, Triple Sec, Lime Juice, Cranberry Juice (sweetened), Orange Zest, Ice Cubes
Bloody Mary
Absolut Vodka, Tomato Juice, Lemon Juice, Hot Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Ground Black Pepper, Garlic Salt, Lemon, Celery
Appletini
Absolut Vodka, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Apple Liqueur, Apple Juice, Ice Cubes
Long Island Iced Tea
Absolut Vodka, Light Rum, Gin, Tequila Blanco, Lemon Juice, Triple Sec, Cola, Lemon, Ice Cubes
Amaretto Sour
Amaretto, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Egg White, Maraschino, Orange, Ice Cubes
