Kick back with this zesty Lemon Drop Martini recipe! This tangy cocktail is a citrus lover's dream, made with vodka, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of Triple Sec.
Prep time: 1 minute minute
Mixing time: 2 minutes minutes
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Triple Sec
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist or slice - for garnish, optional
- Sugar - for rimming the glass, optional
Prep glass: Ice up your coupe glass to chill.
Add Vodka: Pour 2 oz Vodka into the shaker.
Add Triple Sec: Measure and pour 1 oz Triple Sec into the shaker.
Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze and add 1 oz fresh lemon juice.
Add Simple Syrup: Pour ½ oz simple syrup.
Add Ice: Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
Shake Well: Cap the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
Prep Garnish: Rim the edge of your coupe glass with a lemon slice and dip it in sugar if desired. Set aside.
Strain and Pour: Fine strain the mixture into your prepared coupe glass.
Garnish (optional): Add a lemon twist or slice for garnish.
Substitutes:
- Vodka: Gin can work as a substitute if you don't have vodka. It adds a botanical flavor that some people enjoy.
- Triple Sec: If you're out of Triple Sec, use Cointreau or a splash of orange juice as a last resort.
- Simple Syrup: If you don't have simple syrup, dissolve some sugar in hot water to make your own. You can also use honey for a different sweetness profile.
Making a Pitcher:
- Scale: To serve 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That's 16 oz of vodka, 8 oz of Triple Sec, 8 oz of lemon juice, and 4 oz of simple syrup.
- Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into individual sugar-rimmed martini glasses, garnish with a lemon twist or slice, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Vodka Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic vodka substitute or even water with a splash of lemon extract.
- Triple Sec Substitute: Opt for orange-flavored syrup or a splash of orange juice.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes and follow the original steps to enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Simple Syrup: Ensure that the sugar you use for the simple syrup and rimming the glass is vegan. Some sugar brands use bone char in the refining process, so look for a brand that specifies it's vegan.