Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

When life hands you lemons, you could make lemonade… or you could take things up a notch and whip up a Lemon Drop Martini. A semi-sweet drink, this delightful cocktail offers delightful tanginess in a glass, perfect for those moments when you feel like branching out from your favorite cocktail recipes and giving your palate a little zest.

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How to Make a Lemon Drop

Today, Chris will show you how to make two versions of the Lemon Drop– a traditional recipe and a more elevated, really unique version. Plus, we have a special bonus recipe for you below, so keep scrolling after you’ve watched the video!

It takes very little prep time to make this vodka drink (and its rum counterpart), so go grab your cocktail shaker, and let’s get started:

 

History of the Lemon Drop Cocktail

This sour vodka Martini’s invention is credited to Norman Jay Hobday, the owner of Henry Africa’s in San Francisco. It was created sometime in the 1970s- although the timeline is unclear– and quickly became a favorite in the 70s and 80s cocktail scene.

Most likely, this delicious drink was named after the candy (lemon drops). And while it’s not super beloved by bartenders and the craft cocktail crowd, its sweet-tart flavor and happy, bright yellow hue make it a popular choice for those seeking a citrusy, refreshing alcoholic drink.

 

 

Homemade Lemon Martini Cocktail Ingredients

It’s probably worth noting that this is not a “real,” classic Martini, as it does not follow the formula of spirit, fermented wine (vermouth), and bitters.

Instead, it’s a daisy cocktail, which falls under the umbrella of the sour cocktail family. And while this isn’t exactly a dessert drink, per se, it tends to get lumped in with others in that category, which were very popular during the Martini craze of the 1980s and 90s. Think Cosmos, Chocolate Martinis, and the like.

 

 

To create this lemon sour cocktail, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that you may already have in your liquor cabinet. Being a daisy cocktail, it follows the formula of spirit, acid, liqueur, and sweetener.

• Vodka: Choose a high-quality vodka for a smooth and clean canvas. While we love artisanal vodkas here at A Bar Above, you’ll do just fine with something like Grey Goose.
• Triple Sec: This orange-flavored liqueur adds a lovely sweetness and complexity. We prefer Cointreau vs. a more generic trip sec, for what it’s worth.
• Lemon Juice: Ripe lemons offer the perfect tartness and fresh lemon flavor that plays well off the hint of sweetness from the sugar syrup and Cointreau. You just need the standard Meyer lemons from the grocery store, nothing fancy.
• Simple Syrup: Made from equal parts sugar and water, this syrup offers a balance of sweetness against the flavor of lemon.
• Lemon Twist and/or Sugar Rim: For garnish.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect Lemon Drop Martini– from the vodka’s neutrality to the triple sec’s citrusy sweetness– offering balance and complex flavors.

 

 

Variations on the Classic Lemon Drop

This popular cocktail is a versatile canvas for creativity. Here are a few options to play with:

• Flavored Vodka: Experiment with your base vodka, such as a citrus- or berry-flavored vodka (like citron vodka), adding a more intense flavor to this tasty cocktail.
• Infused Simple Syrup: Make a blueberry lemon drop Martini or another flavored version by infusing your simple syrup with berries or even herbs, like rosemary or sage, for a more complex flavor profile.
• Create a Batch Cocktail: Scale up your recipe to make a batch of Martinis for your next dinner party. If you’re not sure how, our Batched Cocktails Masterclass will walk you through how to create a larger amount of this delicious cocktail recipe.
• Swap out the Base Spirit: Get inspired by Chris & Rob’s original recipe and start changing out the base spirit and liqueur to create your own version of this tart drink.
• Limoncello Martini: A fun take on the classic cocktail, Italian lemon liqueur provides even more tangy flavor; check out our Limoncello Martini recipe below.

Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Limoncello
• 3/4 oz Cointreau
• 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/4 oz Simple Syrup

DIRECTIONS: Combine all ingredients into a shaker tin, add ice, and give a good shake for about 10-15 seconds. Double strain into a coupe rimmed with sugar. Garnish with a lemon twist and/or sugar rim.

 

 

Chris’ Rum Lemon Drop

Ready for a more grown-up and unique version of the Lemon Drop? Following the same daisy formula, Chris and Rob created this rum version with Licor 43, which brings vanilla and spice notes that play off the dark & light rums.

Note that this recipe utilizes a split-base with both dark and white rums, plus the liqueur. This provides a more complex, interesting flavor profile.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ounce Blanco Rum (White)
• 3/4 ounce Dark Rum
• 3/4 ounce Licor 43
• 1 ounce Lemon Juice
• 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

DIRECTIONS: Combine all ingredients into a shaker tin, add ice, and give a good shake for about 10 seconds. Double strain into a coupe rimmed with sugar. Garnish with a lemon twist.

 

 

Your New Favorite Lemon Cocktail

The Lemon Drop Martini embodies the bright, zesty spirit of fresh lemons. Whether you’re sipping it at a rooftop bar or shaking one up in your kitchen, the sweet-tart flavor of this bright cocktail is bound to lift your spirits.

So, the next time you need a fun party drink, go ahead and reach for this drink recipe. And definitely let us know in the comments which of these citrusy drinks you prefer– the classic, the Lemon Drop with Limoncello, and the Lemon Drop with rum– or if you have your own favorite recipe. Cheers!