ABsolut’s BEST Lemon Drop Martini

How to make a Lemon Drop Martini

1. Grab your shaker and fill it with Ice.
2. Add Absolut Citron, Triple Sec, Simple Syrup and fresh squeezed Lemon Juice.
3. Shake until the shaker gets so cold you can’t feel your hands anymore.
4. Strain the beautifully aerated cocktail into a pre-chilled cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a Lemon Twist and enjoy!

The Lemon Drop Martini is a classic vodka cocktail from the 70’s that packs BIG citrus flavor into a neat and elegant martini glass. In this recipe, we’ll share every tip, trick and secret you’ll need to start shaking up perfect Lemon Drops from home!

Where did the Lemon Drop Martini originate?

The Lemon Drop is said to have been invented at a legendary San Francisco cocktail bar in the 1970’s. Originally, the drink was served in a cocktail glass, but during the 90’s, bartenders started serving them sugar-rimmed shot glasses as well.

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!

When is the best time to drink a Lemon Drop Martini?

The Lemon Drop Martini is one of those classic cocktails that work all year round at just about any party or drinking occasion. Here at Absolut Drinks, we like to serve them after dinner with dessert.

What are Lemon Drops made of?

Lemon Drops are made with Absolut Citron lemon flavored vodka, triple sec, lemon juice and simple syrup. When it comes to cocktails like this one, the quality of your ingredients will make ALL the difference so make sure to press your juice fresh.

Why does it need to be fresh pressed lemon juice?

Let’s be real. Store-bought lemon juice or “lemonade” tastes nothing like the real fresh-squeezed deal. So, if life didn’t already give you some, go out and buy some lemons and start squeezing. Trust me, squeezing your own juice is going to bring your Lemon Drops from here to HERE (you can’t see this, but l’m gesturing as l’m typing).

How to make your own Simple Syrup

Simple Syrup might be the most important ingredient to keep at hand if you’re into mixing cocktails at home. Essentially, lemon juice and simple syrup are to bartending what salt and pepper are to cooking.
Want to learn how to make it? Check our handy guide to Simple Syrup!

Hot tip: Simple Syrup can easily be infused with fruit peels, herbs, spices and much more! 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!

What tools do you need to make a Lemon Drop Martini

To start making Lemon Drop Martinis, you’re gonna need a few basic bartending tools like strainers, jiggers and a vegetable peeler.
Most importantly, the Lemon drop martini is a shaken cocktail, so you’re gonna need to use the bartender’s best friend, the Boston Shaker! If you’re in a pinch, you can use a mason jar. As long as you’re using a container that won’t leak after sealing, you’ll be fine. Just remember to shake it like you hate it or your cocktail will come out like flat pond water (and you don’t want that).

Next, if you’ve got a bunch of people over and you’re planning on making Lemon Drops for all of them, you might want to invest in a Citrus Elbow. This one isn’t obligatory, but it’ll make the lemon squeezy easy peasy.

Like the Lemon Drop Martini?

Try one of these next!

1. Vodka Collins

The Vodka Collins is another great citrus-based drink that’s served in a tall Highball Glass with loads of ice and is topped up with soda water. Basically it’s everything you love about a Lemon Drop only in a lighter, fizzier package.

2. Cosmopolitan

Now, this drink isn’t necessarily that similar to the Lemon Drop Martini per se, but it shares a lot of the same charm! The trick to getting this one right is to use less cranberry juice than you think you’d need, which gives you something that’s almost like a pink lime-based version of the Lemon Drop.

3. Lemon Drop Shot

So this one is like… 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. It may not sound like much, but it’s an entirely different experience that you need to try if you’re a fan of the Lemon Drop Martini!