Lemon Drop Martini

A lemon cocktail in a glass with a sugared rim and a lemon twist, surrounded by fresh lemons and cocktail tools on a white surface.

This Lemon Drop Martini is bright, balanced and refreshing, with fresh lemon juice, vodka and a hint of sweetness. Finished with a lemon sugar rim, it’s a simple classic that always feels special.

Course Cocktail

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 0

Optional Cook Time 20

Total Time 10

Servings drink

Calories 224kcal

Ingredients

Lemon Sugar

1 cup sugar
1-2 teaspoons lemon zest from 1-2 lemons

Lemon Drop Martini

1 wedge lemon for the rim
1 teaspoon lemon sugar for the rim
ice for shaking
1½ ounce vodka
1 ounce lemon juice freshly-squeezed
1 ounce simple syrup
½ ounce triple sec
1 twist lemon zest for garnish

Instructions

Lemon Sugar

Preheat oven to 150°F (65.5°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
1 cup sugar, 1-2 teaspoons lemon zest
To make lemon sugar, combine sugar and lemon zest in a small bowl. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar, releasing the oils.
Pour the lemon sugar mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Let cool completely. Store in a food-safe, airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Lemon Drop Martini

Place lemon sugar on a plate. Rub a lemon wedge around the edge of the glass. Roll the rim of a chilled martini glass in the lemon sugar to coat the rim.
1 wedge lemon, 1 teaspoon lemon sugar
To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add lemon juice, vodka, triple sec and simple syrup. Shake well. Strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
ice, 1½ ounce vodka, 1 ounce lemon juice, ½ ounce triple sec, 1 ounce simple syrup, 1 twist lemon zest

Notes

Batching: This cocktail can be made ahead for easy entertaining. Use the +/- buttons at the top of this recipe card to scale the recipe as you need to.

Prepare the simple syrup and lemon sugar in advance. Store the simple syrup in the refrigerator and keep the lemon sugar in an airtight jar at room temperature.
Mix the lemon juice, simple syrup, vodka and triple sec together and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Rim glasses with lemon sugar just before serving, as the rims can become sticky if done too far ahead. Garnish with lemon slices or wedges instead of twists for easy prep.

Simple syrup: To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool before using. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Nutrition

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