Lemon Drop Martini

This lemon drop martini is bright, citrusy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart. With a lemon sugar rim and fresh lemon twist, it's the ultimate summer cocktail.

A sugared-rim cocktail glass with a clear drink and lemon twist garnish sits on a white surface with lemons and a bottle in the background.

This lemon drop martini is bright, crisp, and unapologetically lemony in the very best way. Made with vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of simple syrup, it strikes that perfect balance between sweet and tart. The lemon sugar rim adds a sparkling citrus finish to every sip, while a twist of lemon peel keeps things classic and fresh.

To me, this cocktail feels like the grown-up, full-sized version of a lemon drop shot - fun, refreshing, and perfect for summer gatherings. It has a similar vibe to a limoncello martini, but where limoncello feels a little more elegant and Italian-inspired, the lemon drop martini is more relaxed and playful. It's the kind of cocktail that disappears quickly on warm evenings and somehow always leads to someone asking for another round.

A sugared-rim cocktail glass with a clear drink and lemon twist garnish sits on a white surface with lemons and a bottle in the background.
Kristen Stevens

Lemon Drop Martini

This lemon drop martini is made with vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup for a crisp, refreshing cocktail with bold lemon flavor. Finished with a lemon sugar rim and lemon twist, it's perfect for parties and summer gatherings.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Course: Cocktail

Ingredients  

  • Lemon sugar for rim
  • 1 ½ ounces vodka
  • ½ ounce triple sec
  • ½ ounce lemon juice
  • ½ ounce simple syrup
  • Lemon twist or slice to garnish

Method
 

  1. Dip the rim of a martini glass in simple syrup, then dip the wet rim into lemon sugar.
    A cocktail glass rimmed with lemon sugar rests on a dish. Lemons, a blue cloth, olive oil, and a bottle of clear liquid are in the background on a marble surface.
  2. Add ice to a cocktail shaker, then pour in the vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir until cold.
    1 ½ ounces vodka, ½ ounce triple sec, ½ ounce lemon juice, ½ ounce simple syrup
    A glass of lemonade on a marble surface with lemon halves and a bottle in the background.
  3. Strain into the sugar-rimmed glass, garnish with a lemon twist or slice, and serve right away.
    Lemon twist or slice
    A cocktail in a coupe glass with a sugared rim and lemon twist garnish, surrounded by lemons, a blue cloth, and two liquor bottles on a white countertop.
  4. Tried this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below - and if you make it, tag us at @findyourcocktail on Instagram. We love seeing your creations!

Video

Two coupe glasses with a sugared rim, filled with a pale yellow cocktail, garnished with a lemon twist; lemons and a blue cloth sit in the background.
Two cocktails with sugared rims and lemon twists are on a marble surface, surrounded by whole and sliced lemons, a blue cloth, and a bottle.

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