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The classic martini filled with the lemon martini with lemon wheels floating in it and lemons on the table
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Lemon Drop Martini Cocktail

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.
Course Cocktails
Cuisine Cocktails
Keyword lemon cocktail, lemon drop, lemon drop cocktail, lemon drop martini
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 Cocktails
Calories 259kcal

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 syrup
    4 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 cocktail
    2 lemon wheels
  • Sip
  • Smile
  • Enjoy

Notes

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 259kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 29mg | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin C: 11mg | Iron: 0.8mg