The Best Lemon Drop Martini Recipe (Smooth, Refreshing & Ready in 5 Minutes)

Prep Time: 3 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1 cocktail | Calories: 180 kcal per serving

If you have ever ordered a Lemon Drop Martini at a bar and thought “I need to learn how to make this at home,” this is the recipe for you. It is sharp, sweet, and dangerously easy to drink.

The whole thing comes together in under five minutes with no fancy equipment. Just a shaker, a few simple ingredients, and a glass. That is it.

This is the kind of drink that looks like it belongs on a menu but costs you pennies to make at home.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This is not just another cocktail recipe thrown together. Here is why it actually works every single time.

It is done in five minutes flat. No infusions, no syrups to make from scratch, no waiting around. Shake it, strain it, drink it.

The balance is perfect. It hits the right note between sweet and sour without being too much of either. Every sip is clean and refreshing.

It looks stunning. The pale yellow colour and a sugar rim make it look like something a professional bartender handed you.

It is endlessly customisable. Want it sweeter? More sour? Creamier? There are simple swaps to get it exactly how you like it.

It is a crowd pleaser. Whether it is a dinner party, a girls’ night, or just a Tuesday evening treat — this drink never disappoints.

Ingredients

• 2 oz (60ml) vodka
• 1 oz (30ml) fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• 1 oz (30ml) triple sec or Cointreau
• ½ oz (15ml) simple syrup
• Ice
• Sugar (for rimming the glass)
• Lemon wheel or twist (for garnish)

Equipment Needed

• Cocktail shaker with strainer lid
• Jigger or measuring spoons
• Coupe glass or martini glass
• Small bowl or plate (for sugar rimming)
• Citrus juicer or fork (for juicing the lemon)
• Knife (for cutting the garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Run a lemon wedge around the rim of your coupe or martini glass. This helps the sugar stick.

Step 2: Dip the rim into a small plate of sugar. Rotate the glass gently so the rim is evenly coated. Set aside.

Step 3: Fill your cocktail shaker with ice — about ¾ full.

Step 4: Add the vodka, fresh lemon juice, triple sec, and simple syrup to the shaker.

Step 5: Close the lid and shake hard for 15–20 seconds. You want it properly cold — the outside of the shaker should feel ice cold to the touch.

Step 6: Strain into your sugar-rimmed glass. Do not let the ice fall in.

Step 7: Garnish with a lemon wheel or a lemon twist on the rim. Serve immediately.

@jerseyspirits

Substitutes & Swaps

Vodka: Use any clean, smooth vodka. You do not need anything expensive — the lemon and sweetener do most of the heavy lifting. Gin is also a great swap if you want a more botanical version.

Triple sec: Cointreau gives a cleaner, slightly sweeter flavour than basic triple sec. Either works. Grand Marnier is another option — it will add a richer, orange-forward taste.

Simple syrup: Make your own by heating equal parts water and sugar until dissolved, then cooling. Or use agave nectar for a slightly different sweetness. Honey syrup (1 part honey, 1 part water, warmed) works beautifully too.

Fresh lemon juice: Do not use bottled lemon juice. It tastes flat and artificial compared to freshly squeezed. If you are out of lemons, fresh lime juice works as a substitute — just know the flavour will shift.

Sugar rim: Swap plain white sugar for coarse sugar, coloured sugar, or even a mix of sugar and crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a fun twist.

Variations

Strawberry Lemon Drop: Muddle 3–4 fresh strawberries at the bottom of the shaker before adding the other ingredients. Shake and strain as normal. Gorgeous and fruity.

Lavender Lemon Drop: Replace the simple syrup with lavender syrup (steep dried lavender in simple syrup for 20 minutes and strain). Elegant and unique.

Creamy Lemon Drop: Add a splash of vanilla vodka and half an ounce of cream or coconut cream. Shake well. Richer and velvety.

Spicy Lemon Drop: Add 2–3 slices of fresh jalapeño to the shaker before shaking. Strain carefully. A subtle kick that builds slowly.

Virgin Lemon Drop: Skip the vodka and triple sec. Use 1.5 oz lemon juice, 1 oz simple syrup, and top with sparkling water. Refreshing and just as pretty.

Tips & Tricks

Shake harder than you think. A proper shake is the difference between a good and a great martini. Go for a full 15–20 seconds. The drink should be ice cold when you strain it.

Use fresh lemon juice every time. Bottled juice ruins this drink. Squeeze it fresh. It is the star of the cocktail and it shows.

Chill your glass first. Put your coupe or martini glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before you start. A cold glass keeps the drink colder for longer.

Do the sugar rim last minute. If you rim the glass too early, the sugar can dissolve and get sticky and messy. Do it right before you pour.

Adjust the sweetness to your taste. If your lemons are very tart, add a little more simple syrup. If they are already quite sweet, cut it back. Taste as you go.

Batch it for a party. Mix the vodka, lemon juice, triple sec, and simple syrup in a pitcher in advance (no ice). Shake individual glasses to order when guests arrive. Saves you time and stress.

Invest in a good shaker. A Boston shaker or a standard three-piece shaker works best. Cheap shakers leak and do not chill the drink properly.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	180 kcal
Total Fat	0g
Saturated Fat	0g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fibre	0g
Sugars	20g
Protein	0g
Sodium	5mg

Nutrition is approximate and based on 1 standard serving made with vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. The sugar rim adds roughly 10–15 extra calories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make a Lemon Drop Martini without a shaker? Yes, but it will not be as good. Stir vigorously over ice in a glass for about 30 seconds as a last resort, then strain. A shaker gives you a properly cold, slightly frothy drink that stirring cannot replicate.

Why is my Lemon Drop Martini cloudy? This is totally normal. It happens when the drink gets very cold and tiny ice crystals form. It is actually a sign you shook it well. It will clear up in a few seconds once it settles.

How do I make simple syrup? Combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let it cool. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Can I use lemon curd instead of lemon juice? Not really. Lemon curd is thick, fatty, and will not blend smoothly into a cocktail. Stick with fresh lemon juice for the right texture and flavour.

What type of glass should I use? A coupe glass is the classic choice and looks beautiful. A standard martini glass works too. Avoid tall glasses — they dilute the look and the cold fades faster.

Can I make this ahead of time? You can pre-mix the base (vodka, lemon juice, triple sec, simple syrup) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice and strain just before serving. Do not add ice and let it sit — it will get watery.

Is a Lemon Drop Martini strong? It is a cocktail, so yes — it contains 2 oz of vodka. The sweetness and sourness make it very easy to drink, which can sneak up on you. Enjoy responsibly.

One Sip and You Are Hooked

This is one of those cocktails that sounds like it should be complicated but is genuinely effortless to pull off. Five minutes, a handful of ingredients, and a shaker is all you need to make something that genuinely impresses.

Make it for yourself on a Friday evening. Make it for guests at your next gathering. Either way, it will be gone before you know it.

Tried this recipe? Drop a comment below and let me know how yours turned out. I would love to hear it.