Description
A sweet and tart Lemon Drop Martini made with fresh lemon juice, vodka, Cointreau, and simple syrup. Optional sugar rim for added sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 oz Vodka (high-quality recommended)
- 2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec
- 1 oz Simple Syrup (see instructions below, or store-bought)
- Ice
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Water
- Lemon wedge
- Granulated Sugar
- Lemon twist or lemon slice
Instructions
- Make the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 1 minute. Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Prepare Sugar Rim (Optional): Pour sugar onto a small plate. Moisten the rim of a martini glass with a lemon wedge. Dip the rim into the sugar, coating evenly. Shake off excess.
- Make the Martini: If possible, chill your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice (about two-thirds full).
- Add 4 oz vodka, 2 oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz Cointreau/Triple Sec, and 1 oz simple syrup to the shaker. Adjust simple syrup to taste.
- Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Double strain the martini into your prepared martini glass (using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer).
- Garnish with a lemon twist or lemon slice.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use high-quality vodka and fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your liking.
- Shake vigorously to chill and mix the ingredients well.
- Double straining ensures a smoother martini.
- Chill your glass for an extra cold drink.
- Get creative with garnishes!
- For a batch, combine vodka, lemon juice, Cointreau/Triple Sec, and simple syrup in a pitcher and refrigerate. Shake with ice before serving.
- Infuse vodka with lemon zest for an extra layer of flavor.
- Experiment with flavors like raspberry, strawberry, or ginger.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes