LEMON DROP MARTINI RECIPE

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

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. It combines zesty Lemon Juice with smooth Lemon-Flavored Vodka, perfectly balanced by the Simple Syrup. 

It’s one of those classic cocktails that work all year round at just about any party or drinking occasion. Personally, we like to serve them after dinner with dessert.

As Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan – Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador – says, “When life gives you lemons, you get a bottle of Absolut Citron and make Lemon Drops!”

How To Make a Lemon Drop Martini

What You’ll Need

• Boston Shaker
• Paring Knife (for the Lemon)
• Small Measuring Cup (for the Lemon Juice)
• Citrus Elbow (or Citrus Press)
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument 
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Fine Mesh Strainer
• Martini Glass
• Peeler (for the Lemon Zest)

Got a question about the home bartending tools above?
Check out our article where we explain the 7 essential bartending tools.

How to Mix

1. Cut one Lemon in half using a Paring Knife.
2. Squeeze the juice of half a Lemon into a small Measuring Cup using a Citrus Elbow and set the other half aside for later.
3. Measure and pour the fresh Lemon Juice into a Boston Cocktail Shaker.
4. Measure and pour Simple Syrup into the Shaker using a Jigger, followed by Triple Sec, and lastly Absolut Citron.
5. Fill the Shaker with Ice Cubes and shake vigorously until perfectly chilled.
6. Place a Hawthorne Strainer over the larger tin of your Boston Shaker. Double strain the mixture by pouring it through a Fine Mesh Strainer directly into a Martini Glass.
7. Peel a Lemon Zest Twist from the other Lemon half using a Peeler.
8. Squeeze the Lemon Zest over your drink before placing it directly into your Glass.
9. Sip and enjoy!

The History of the Lemon Drop Martini

“It’s a very 90s drink, and a bit of a throwback classic,” says Rico. While that may be true, the Lemon Drop Martini is said to have been invented at a legendary San Francisco cocktail bar in the 1970s. 

Originally, the drink was served in a Cocktail Glass, but during the 90s, bartenders started serving them Sugar-rimmed Shot Glasses as well. And so, the Lemon Drop Shot was born.

The concept of mixing spirits with citrus actually traces back to 16th century sailors who mixed citrus with whatever they had at hand in order to combat scurvy. 

To mellow out the flavors, they also added sweeteners, giving birth to punches similar to the fruit martinis we know and love today. 

So, in one way you could say we have the sailors to thank for the beloved Lemon Drop Martini.

Tips for Making a Perfect Lemon Drop Martini

• Real Lemon Juice
  Store-bought lemon juice or “lemonade” isn’t anything like the real fresh-squeezed deal. Therefore, we highly recommend squeezing your Lemons to produce real Lemon Juice. It’ll make all the difference to the quality of your drink.
• Double Strain the Mixture
  In the video, you’ll notice Rico double strains the mixture using a Hawthorne Strainer and Fine Mesh Strainer before pouring it into the Martini Glass. Why? Single straining catches large ice chunks and fruit bits, but tiny ice shards and fruit pulp can still slip through. To achieve a perfectly smooth drink, double strain to get your cocktail to bar-level standards.
  

Don’t miss our article where we explain how to double strain a cocktail and what cocktails you should double strain.

Variations of a Lemon Drop Martini

• Lemon Drop Shot
  Well, you already know what this one tastes like, since you just kinda made it! Essentially, this is the same drink but served as a shooter in an ice-cold Sugar-rimmed Shot Glass. Believe it or not, it’s an entirely different experience. So, if you’re a fan of the Lemon Drop Martini, you gotta try this one. Here’s how to make a Lemon Drop Shot.
• Basil Lemon Drop Martini
  There’s something about the combination of Basil and Lemon that works so beautifully. This Lemon Drop Martini variation uses the same ingredients as above but adds fresh Basil Leaves. And this difference is incredible. Discover our recipe for a Basil Lemon Drop Martini.
• Experiment with Simple Syrup
  Simple Syrup can easily be infused with fruit peels, herbs, and spices. If you’re looking to experiment a bit and create your own take on the Lemon Drop Martini, this is a great place to start.

Don’t miss our post where we show you how to make Simple Syrup.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Lemon Drop Martini

Being that it’s a Martini, we recommend serving the Lemon Drop Martini in a Martini Glass, of course. To top it off, we recommend a classic Lemon Zest Twist to garnish.