how to make the perfect lemon drop martini

Lemon Drop Martini

Parts ml

1 ½ Parts Absolut Citron

45 ml Absolut Citron
1 Part Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

30 ml Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
⅓ Parts Simple Syrup

10 ml Simple Syrup
⅓ Parts Triple Sec

10 ml Triple Sec
1 Twist Lemon Zest

1 Twist Lemon Zest
Ice Cubes

Ice Cubes

Number of Servings

Rate this recipe

2.8 from 1041 votes

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. 

This cocktail captures the nostalgic flavor of the classic Lemon Drop candy, which inspired its name – sour and oh so sweet. It combines zesty Lemon Juice, the sweet orange flavors of Triple Sec and the smoothness of our Lemon-Flavored Vodka, which is then perfectly balanced by the Simple Syrup. 

The Lemon Drop Martini is 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. Best of all, they’re easy to whip up even without any bartending skills.

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!”

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 a Lemon Drop Martini

Cut one Lemon in half using a Paring Knife.
Squeeze the juice of half a Lemon into a small Measuring Cup using a Citrus Elbow and set the other half aside for later.
Measure and pour the fresh Lemon Juice into a Boston Cocktail Shaker.
Measure and pour Simple Syrup into the Shaker using a Jigger, followed by Triple Sec, and lastly Absolut Citron.
Fill the Shaker with Ice Cubes and shake vigorously until perfectly chilled.
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.
Peel a Lemon Zest Twist from the other Lemon half using a Peeler.
Squeeze the Lemon Zest over your drink before placing it directly into your Glass.
Sip and enjoy!

WATCH RICO MAKE THE BEST LEMON DROP MARTINI

What is a Lemon Drop Martini Cocktail?

The Lemon Drop Martini is a tangy, tongue-curling treat with a distinct, lemony flavor. The Triple Sec, Simple Syrup and traditional sugared rim give this Lemon Drop cocktail its signature sweetness, while Vodka serves as the base.

The Lemon Drop Martini has a cool, refreshing flavour perfect for occasions of all shapes and sizes.

What Does a Lemon Drop Martini Taste Like?

A Lemon Drop Martini is a sweet-and-sour spectacle with a distinct, sugary sweetness and zing of lemon. There’s a reason the Lemon Drop is named after the sugar-coated hard candy. It’s a refreshing taste, often served shaken with ice. It’s a complimentary blend of flavors that mingle together with Vodka to deliver an unmistakable burst of citrus flavor.

The History of the Lemon Drop Martini

“The Lemon Drop Martini is 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 like the fruit martinis we know and love.

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

Tips for Making a Perfect Lemon Drop Martini

Want to make the best Lemon Drop Martini possible? Be sure to check out these words of cocktail wisdom.

Use 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 Lemon Drop Martini.

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 Lemon Drop Martini cocktail to bar-level standards.

Don’t Scrimp On the Ice

Part of a Lemon Drop Martini’s appeal – along with the bold, zesty flavor – is the ice cool drinking temperature. To get your cocktail to the perfect level of frostiness, and to avoid diluting the ingredients too much, use plentiful ice in the shaker before you start to mix.

Learn how to double strain a cocktail.

Variations of a Lemon Drop Martini

Check out these twists and tweaks on the classic Lemon Drop Martini recipe.

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 recipe 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.

Go Bold with Bitters

If you like the orange note brought by the Triple Sec, try doubling up with a few dashes of orange bitters to make your Lemon Drop Martini a full citrus fiesta.

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 our Lemon Drop Martini recipe, this is a great place to start.

Learn how to make Simple Syrup.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Lemon Drop Martini

Because it’s a Martini, we of course recommend serving the Lemon Drop Martini in a Martini glass, or at the very least a coupe glass.

Try a sugar rim by rubbing fresh lemon around the top of the glass and then dipping it into a plate of crystal sugar.

For garnishing a Lemon Drop Martini, you can’t beat a classic Lemon Zest Twist to finish the drink off. Alternatively, other types of citrus peel could also work.

A sprig of herbs like basil or lemon thyme can add aroma and fragrance – not to mention elegance.

Is the Lemon Drop Martini the Same as the Lemon Drop Shot But Bigger?

No, they’re different. A Lemon Drop Martini includes Triple Sec and Simple Syrup whereas the Lemon Drop Shot does not. The drinking experience is also very different.

How Do You Make a Lemon Twist for a Lemon Drop Martini?

To create a Lemon Zest Twist for a Martini, use a Peeler to remove a thin strip of Lemon Peel, avoiding the white pith. Twist the peel over the drink to release its aromatic oils, then drop the zest into your Martini Glass for an elegant garnish and burst of citrus flavor.

Watch how Rico creates his Lemon Zest Twist.

Which Is Better, a Lemon Drop Shot or a Lemon Drop Martini?

That depends entirely on your preferences. A Lemon Drop Shot is a much shorter drink and usually has a sugar rim. A Lemon Drop Martini is a slightly longer cocktail served in a Martini glass, and has the addition of orange flavored Triple Sec which brings a different dimension to the drink.