Lemon Drop Martini
A sparkling, citrus-forward cocktail that bridges the gap between a martini and a sour. Sugar-rimmed and bracingly tart, it became a staple of American cocktail bars in the 1990s.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 0.8 oz Triple sec
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz Simple syrup
- sugar rim (garnish) garnish
- lemon twist (garnish) garnish
Pairs With
Match with lemon butter scallops, shortbread cookies, or a light citrus dessert—the sugar-rimmed, tart profile complements delicate seafood and sweet-tart pastries beautifully.
Instructions
Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled martini glass and dip into fine sugar
Combine vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds
Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into the sugar-rimmed glass
Garnish with a lemon twist on the rim
Tips
The sugar rim is essential to the experience — it tempers the acidity and adds a candy-like first sip Use a clean, neutral vodka so the lemon flavor stays front and center Double straining removes ice chips and pulp for a crystal-clear presentation in the glass