A classic lemon cocktail recipe perfect for using up fresh lemons. This Lemon Drop Cocktail is a sweet and tart cocktail great for a ladies’ night or after-dinner cocktails.
Why this recipe works
As 70’s fashion and decor makes its come back with retro side tables and all things tassels, crochet, lace, and bell-bottoms, we would be remiss to miss out on some of the best contributions from the ’70s: inventive cocktails, just like this lemon drop martini recipe.
The lemon drop cocktail is one of the best mainstays from the 1970s when it was invented in a singles “fern bar” – classically decorated with wooden paneling, fake Tiffany’s lamps, and yes, lots of overgrown ferns. It’s a riff on a classic martini and is still perfect for those who want a strong cocktail, but don’t really have a taste for alcohol. It’s among my favorite lemon drinks, right up there with the Lynchburg Lemonade!
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
LIQUOR – You will need Triple Sec and vodka. You can use any orange-flavored liquor to replace triple sec if you don’t have it.
ADDITIONS – You can use store-bought simple syrup or make your own by mixing together equal parts of water and sugar and bring to a boil on the stove until sugar dissolves. Allow it to cool completely before using. We suggest fresh lemon juice instead of from the bottle.
How to Make a Lemon Drop Cocktail
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- First, sugar the rim of your glass. You can use simple syrup to attach the sugar to the rim or water. It’s a personal preference. Place the sanding sugar in a shallow dish big enough to fit the mouth of your glass in.
- Wet the edges of the glasses (using either simple syrup or water) and then immediately dip the edge into the sanding sugar, rotating to coat the edge completely. Set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the remaining ingredients. Attach lid and shake well.
- Divide the lemon drop cocktail between your glasses.
- Zest or cut two small strips of lemon skin from your lemon, and then twist well. Garnish the glass with the lemon twist and serve.
EXPERT TIP: I find a chopstick or skewer is great for helping get a nice spiral, but you can just twist with your fingers.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
For this lemon drop, use a quality vodka like Titos, Absolute, or Grey Goose. It doesn’t have to be top shelf, but use one you know you’re fond of. If you can’t find Triple sec, try Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Orange Curaçao.
Serving Suggestions
This lemon drop cocktail recipe reminds me of sour candy, it’s got a perfect sweet-pucker effect, especially when you add the sugared rib (just like sugared candies). This is definitely a dessert cocktail, as it’s a bit too sweet to pair with a meal, but it is perfect for sipping on with friends – especially in the summer.
More Cocktail Recipes
- Gimlet Cocktail
- Sidecar Cocktail
- Painkiller Cocktail
- Rum Cruiser Cocktail
- Cosmopolitan Cocktail
- Manhattan Cocktail
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Lemon Drop Cocktail
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 4 oz vodka
- 1 oz triple sec
- 2 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz lemon juice
- 1 lemon zest
Things You’ll Need
Instructions
- First, sugar the rim of your glass. Place the sanding sugar in a shallow dish big enough to fit the mouth of your glass in.
- Wet the edges of the glasses (using either simple syrup or water) and then immediately dip the edge into the sanding sugar, rotating to coat the edge completely. Set aside.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the remaining ingredients.
- Attach lid and shake well.
- Divide the lemon drop cocktail between your glasses.
- Zest two small strip of lemon skin from your lemon, and then twist well. We like to use a chopstick or a skewer to wrap to skin around.
- Garnish the glass with the lemon twist and serve.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- You can use any orange-flavored liquor to replace triple sec if you don’t have it.
- Make your own simple syrup by mixing together equal parts of water and sugar and bring to a boil on the stove until sugar dissolves. Allow to cool completely.
Nutrition
This post originally appeared here on Aug 18, 2018 and has since been updated with new photos and tips.
Jennifer Tammy
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Eraina says
This is the absolute best recipe! I love the addition of zest!
Terri says
I make Lemoncello using Everclear and lemon zest (steep for 45 days) & then use it to make a lemon drop martini/cocktail with triple sec, sweet-n-sour mix & sprite. My husband drinks it faster than I can make it.
Winifred M says
Just want to let you know that I look forward to your email every day.
Thank you.
Winnie
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Winnie!