What's the difference between a Lemon Drop martini and a Lemon Drop shot?

A lemon drop shot is much smaller (about 1.5 ounces) and typically served in a shot glass with a sugar-coated lemon wedge to bite afterward. The lemon drop martini is a full-sized cocktail (3 ounces) served in a martini glass with a sugar rim.

Can you make a Lemon Drop martini without simple syrup?

Yes! You can substitute agave nectar, honey syrup (equal parts honey and water), or maple syrup. Maple syrup is what reader Kristin used in her 5-star review, and it adds a subtle caramel note. Note that maple syrup does give a slightly darker color to the drink.

How do you make a non-alcoholic Lemon Drop martini?

I have not tried this myself, but you could replace the vodka with lemon-flavored sparkling water or non-alcoholic vodka. Substitute the Cointreau with 2 teaspoons of orange juice concentrate. Keep the lemon juice and simple syrup the same. Shake everything with ice cubes and strain into your sugared glass.

Can you use vodka alternatives in a Lemon Drop martini?

Absolutely. Gin creates a more botanical version. White rum works too, giving it a slightly tropical vibe. Tequila turns it into something similar to a margarita but with a drier finish.

Lemon Drop Martini (Bright & Perfectly Sweet-Tart)

Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 2 reviews

This lemon drop martini recipe is bright, refreshing, and perfectly sweet-tart. It’s made with fresh, simple ingredients for an easy, bar-quality cocktail at home!

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 drink 1x
Category: Drink
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: Cocktails

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 ounces citron vodka or vodka
1/2 ounce Cointreau or triple sec
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
Superfine sugar, for the rim (or substitute granulated)
For the garnish: Lemon twist or lemon wheel

Instructions

Cut a notch in a lemon wedge, then run the lemon around the rim of a martini glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of superfine sugar.
Make the lemon twist garnish.
Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, fill it with ice, and shake until cold.
Strain the liquid into the glass with the sugared rim. Garnish with the lemon twist.

Notes

Vodka options: Any good quality vodka works here: I like Tito’s, Absolut, or Grey Goose. Citron vodka adds extra lemon flavor but isn’t necessary.

Orange liqueur: Cointreau has the most refined flavor, but triple sec or Grand Marnier work as substitutes.

Adjusting sweetness: For a tarter drink, reduce simple syrup to ⅓ ounce. For sweeter, increase to ¾ ounce. Taste and adjust based on your preference.

Batching for a crowd: Multiply the vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice, and simple syrup by the number of servings. Store in a pitcher and stir with a few handfuls of ice.

Yellow color: To achieve a yellow color for this drink, use maple syrup as the sweetener or use citron vodka. With simple syrup and standard vodka, the drink is clear in color.

Find it online: https://www.acouplecooks.com/lemon-drop-martini/