Description
A sweet and tart Lemon Drop Martini made with fresh lemon juice, vodka, and homemade simple syrup. Optional sugar rim for added sweetness and elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 oz Vodka (high-quality recommended)
- 2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice (about 2–3 lemons)
- 1 oz Simple Syrup (see instructions below, or store-bought)
- Lemon twist, for garnish
- Ice cubes
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Water
- Granulated Sugar
- Lemon zest (from one lemon)
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar is completely dissolved.
- (Optional) Simmer gently for 1 minute to slightly thicken. Do not boil vigorously.
- Remove from heat and cool completely before using.
- Store leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Zest one lemon, avoiding the white pith.
- In a shallow dish, combine about ¼ cup granulated sugar with the lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar to release oils.
- Moisten the rim of a martini glass with a lemon wedge or a small amount of simple syrup.
- Dip the moistened rim into the sugar mixture, rotating until coated. Tap off excess sugar.
- Set aside.
- (Optional) Chill your martini glass in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
- Fill a cocktail shaker ¾ full with ice cubes.
- Add 4 oz vodka, 2 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1 oz simple syrup to the shaker.
- Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Strain the martini into the prepared martini glass, leaving the ice in the shaker.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use high-quality vodka for the best flavor.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential.
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your liking.
- For an extra burst of lemon flavor, use lemon-infused vodka.
- Experiment with other citrus fruits like lime or grapefruit.
- Try agave nectar or honey instead of simple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Top with sparkling wine or club soda for a bubbly drink.
- For a Lemon Drop Shot, reduce the quantities of all ingredients proportionally.
- For a mocktail, omit the vodka and replace it with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda.
- Choose lemons that are heavy for their size and have a bright yellow color.
- Shake the martini vigorously to chill the drink and combine the ingredients, but be careful not to over-shake.
- The lemon twist adds a subtle aroma and flavor to the martini.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes