Lemon Drop Martini
The lemon drop martini is a classic for a reason. This refreshing cocktail is made simply with vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup for the perfect balance of sour and sweet.
It is well known that I prefer my cocktails to have a higher ratio of sour to sweet; usually I’ll mix a 2:1 ratio. But for the lemon martini, I mix the lemon juice and simple syrup in almost equal measure. That’s because the lemon, on its own, is so tart and astringent. The simple syrup and the Cointreau soften the lemon’s tartness and strong flavor.
With a 3/4 to 1 ratio, the lemon in this lemon drop classic martini doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. In fact, the drink is well balanced and tart enough to be refreshing without making your lips pucker.
In my opinion, this is the best lemon drop martini recipe out there.
Want to up your lemon martini game? Use my lemon infused vodka in this recipe.
Helpful tips
- Since lemon is a sour fruit, some people prefer an equal amount of simple syrup to lemon juice. I prefer a ratio that is slightly more sour than sweet – so a .75 to 1 ratio of sweet to sour. Try these proportions first and taste the result before you add more simple syrup if you ultimately want a sweeter taste.
- The way to pick a great lemon at the market is to first heft it in your hand. The heavier lemons have more juice than the lighter ones.
- When picking a lemon, smell it too. The more lemon fragrance, the fresher the lemon.
- Try to gauge the thickness of the rind. The thinner the rind, the more juice it will yield.
- Before juicing the lemon, roll it between your palm and a hard surface like a counter. Doing this will help release the juice.
- I like having lemon wheels as garnish, but you can use a lemon twist, add some lemon zest or lemon wedges instead.
- Some people like to rim the glasses with granulated sugar. I find that too sweet but try it both ways to see what you prefer.
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How to make a lemon drop martini
Pre-step
Get 2 martini glasses and a measuring glass. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes and pour the ingredients in the cocktail shaker once they are measured out.
Also, cut a few lemon slices. I like to use thin lemon wheels because they float nicely in the cocktail.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – vodka, Cointreau or orange liqueur like triple sec, lemon and simple syrup.
Step two
Measure 4 ounces of vodka. (I use Grey Goose.) (A)
Step three
Measure 1.5 ounces of Cointreau. (B)
Fresh Lemon Juice
Step four
Squeeze enough lemons to yield 2 ounces of lemon juice. (Read tips above – I only had to use one lemon.) (C)
Step five
Measure 1.5 ounces of simple syrup and slice two thin lemon wheels from a fresh lemon. (D)
Step six
Cap shaker, shake for at least 20 seconds, then strain and divide the contents into each cocktail glass. Float a lemon wheel in each glass.
And a closer view of the lemon drop martini.
Let’s look at the vertical view.
But let’s bring the fun glass in front.
I hope you enjoyed this lemon drop martini recipe!
Other popular lemon recipes
And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!
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Lemon Drop Martini Cocktail
Ingredients
- 4 ounces vodka (I used Grey Goose)
- 1.5 ounce Cointreau (or triple sec)
- 2 ounces lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1.5 ounces simple syrup
Garnish
- 2 lemon wheels
Instructions
- Fill cocktail shaker 1/2 way with ice
- Add vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice and simple syrup4 ounces vodka, 1.5 ounce Cointreau, 2 ounces lemon juice, 1.5 ounces simple syrup
- Cap shaker and shake for 20 seconds and strain the liquid equally between the martini glasses
- Float lemon wheels in the cocktail2 lemon wheels
- Sip
- Smile
- Enjoy
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Tips for making this martini:
- Since lemon is a sour fruit, some people prefer an equal amount of simple syrup to lemon juice. I prefer a ratio that is slightly more sour than sweet – so a .75 to 1 ratio of sweet to sour. Try these proportions first and taste the result before you add more simple syrup if you ultimately want a sweeter taste.
- The way to pick a great lemon at the market is to first heft it in your hand. The heavier lemons have more juice than the lighter ones.
- When picking a lemon, smell it too. The more lemon fragrance, the fresher the lemon.
- Try to gauge the thickness of the rind. The thinner the rind, the more juice it will yield.
- Before juicing the lemon, roll it between your palm and a hard surface like a counter. Doing this will help release the juice.
- I like having lemon wheels as garnish, but you can use a lemon twist, add some lemon zest or lemon wedges instead.
- Some people like to rim the glasses with granulated sugar. I find that too sweet but try it both ways to see what you prefer.
