This Lemon Drop Martini is made with just 4 ingredients and is ready in minutes. Tart and tangy, it’s an easy cocktail recipe that is perfect for New Year’s Eve or any other special occasion, from birthdays to retirement parties.
Another sweet twist on a classic martini is our sugar cookie martini and also our chocolate martini!
Easy Martini Recipe
Served in a martini glass with a sugar rim, this Lemon Drop Martini is a quick way to make any party feel a bit fancy. It’s very easy to make too, with just 4 ingredients – all you need to do is shake them with ice, strain into a glass, and enjoy!
While you can adjust the sweetness level by adding more simple syrup, this lemon drop martini has a tart and tangy citrus flavor that’s perfect for sipping.
What’s In A Lemon Drop Martini?
You’ll need just 4 ingredients, plus garnishes, to make this easy cocktail.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Vodka – Citron vodka is traditionally used in martinis but regular vodka works as well.
- Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key to a good lemon drop martini. No bottled lemon juice!
- Limoncello – Adds the classic lemon flavor.
- Simple syrup – Add as little or as much as you want, depending on how sweet you want the drink.
- Garnishes – You’ll also need granulated sugar and a lemon wedge for rimming the cocktail glass and a lemon twist garnish.
Recipe Variations
With a cocktail this simple, there aren’t too many things you can change up but here are a few possibilities.
- Try a lemon sugar rim. For even more citrus flavor, add a bit of grated lemon zest to the sugar before dipping the glasses in it.
- Limoncello alternatives. Limoncello is an Italian liqueur with a bold lemon flavor, which really adds to this drink. However, many classic lemon drop martini recipes call for Cointreau or triple sec instead. Feel free to make the swap if that’s what you have on hand.
- Sweeten with maple syrup. Maple syrup can be used in place of simple syrup. It doesn’t make the drink taste maple-y but it does add more of a nuanced undertone that works well with the citrus.
How to Sugar A Cocktail Rim
You don’t have to add a sugar rim to your cocktail but it’s pretty standard and adds a nice contrast to the citrusy drink.
All you need to do is pour the sugar into a shallow dish, wet the edge of the rim with the lemon, and dip it straight up and down into the sugar. I recommend doing this a few minutes before you make the drink so that the sugar has time to dry.
How to Make a Lemon Drop Martini
Here’s how to make this easy martini recipe in less than 5 minutes.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Add the sugar rim. Follow the instructions above to sugar the rim of your martini glass.
- Shake. Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until well chilled.
- Enjoy. Strain into the glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy.
Tips for Success
Here are a few key things to keep in mind when making a lemon martini.
- Use real lemon juice. As I mentioned above, the lemon juice is key for making the citrus pop in this drink. Avoid the bottled stuff if at all possible.
- Use quality vodka. Vodka is the main ingredient in this recipe and if you reach for the cheap stuff, you’ll be able to taste it. Tito’s and Kettle One are good but affordable brands.
- Chill everything. Martinis are meant to be served cold. Chill the vodka beforehand if you can and if not, make sure to shake, shake, shake until everything is well chilled.
Serving Suggestions
This fruity, tangy cocktail is perfect for so many occasions like New Year’s Eve, bachelorette parties, birthday parties, and any other celebration or special occasion when you want something a bit fancier, but also quick and easy.
The most important thing is to serve the martinis cold and enjoy them immediately. Warm lemon drop martinis are…not great!
More Easy Cocktail Recipes:
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Lemon Drop Martini
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar , for rimming
- Lemon wedge , for rimming
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce of limoncello
- 1/2 to 3/4 ounce simple syrup , to taste
- Lemon twist , for garnish
Instructions
- Place the sugar in a shallow dish. Wipe a lemon wedge around the glass to wet the surface, then dip it into the sugar. (Do this a few minutes before you mix the drink to give the sugar enough time to dry and adhere to the glass.)
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour in the vodka, lemon juice, limoncello, and simple syrup.
- Shake until well chilled.
- Strain into the rimmed glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist. Serve and enjoy.
