Lemon Drop Martini

A Lemon Drop Martini is made with Vodka, Cointreau, Lemon Juice and Simple Syrup. Shake all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, and serve in a sugar rimmed martini glass garnished with a lemon peel.

The lemon drop martini is a classic cocktail that looks as good as it tastes. Not only does it feature a bright and zesty lemon flavor, but the combination of sweet and sour notes makes the drink irresistible. Its elegant presentation and refreshing taste make this a perfect after-dinner treat or an ideal addition to any special occasion. In fact, as a wedding banquet bartender, I used to love serving these up anytime a woman asked me for something special. Once you make one of these, you’re certainly going to get a whole crowd of people asking for one.

Learn how to make a Lemon Drop Martini below!

How Do I Rim A Martini Glass with Sugar?

Step 1: Add sugar to a square Tupperware container that is larger than the diameter of your martini glass.

Step 2: Don’t fill the Tupperware container to the brim with sugar, only add enough sugar to the desired height of your rim (about an eight of an inch).

Step 3: Cut a notch in a lemon wedge and run it along the diameter of your Martini glass to dampen the rim.

Step 4: Dip the Martini Glass in the sugar and rotate the glass to get an even rim.

*If you plan on making drinks with a sugar rim in the future, you can keep your sugar in your Tupperware container. Seal it tightly with the lid and it should keep indefinitely.

**If you are rimming other cocktails with a salt rim using this method, write the contents of the Tupperware container (salt/sugar) so you never get them confused. Never write it only on the lid as lids can easily get mismatched. This tip is particularly useful for bars.

Where Do I Get Simple Syrup?

You can make Simple Syrup at home by dissolving equal parts of sugar into water, then heating the mixture (do not simmer) until the mixture is syrupy and sticky.

Cool of the simple syrup before adding it to your cocktail.

How Do I Make a Lemon Twist?

If you are comfortable with a paring knife, you could make a lemon twist similar to how you would with the same motion you use to peel an apple or potato with a knife.

If you are danger-prone like the majority of us, use a Channel Knife. A Channel Knife makes it easy to cut out a lemon twist with zero risk of cutting yourself. Not only is not getting your blood in someone’s drink a good thing, not getting lemon juice in a cut is a good way to live out your life. (lemon juice stings!)

Check out Amazon, or a fancy home supply that sells bartending supplies for a Channel Knife.

Do I Have to Use Citron Vodka in a Lemon Drop Martini?

For a traditional Lemon Drop Martini, Citron Vodka is called for. If I were working a fully-loaded bar and had Citron Vodka available, I would use it. If you are advertising the drink, and charging for the experience, I would also use Citron Vodka.

Vodka is perfectly fine in most instances for a Lemon Drop Martini. For example, when you work bars at weddings or large banquets, to minimize costs there is often a limited number of liquors on the rail. Or, if you are having an outdoor party at home, you can’t drag every bottle of booze you have out as space is limited. In these instances, use Vodka.