Lemon Drop Martini

The Lemon Drop Martini is a refreshing and zesty cocktail that perfectly balances sweet and sour notes. It is typically made with vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, served in a sugar-rimmed martini glass. The result is a vibrant, citrus-forward drink that is both crisp and delightfully reminiscent of the classic lemon drop candy. It has remained a popular choice for those who enjoy a bright, easy-drinking cocktail.
Lemon Drop Martini

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Lemon Drop Martini is a modern classic cocktail. It falls into the "sour" category of drinks, balancing sweet and tart flavors. It's typically served "up" in a martini glass, placing it within the broad family of contemporary martinis.

Serving

Served cold in a chilled, sugar-rimmed Martini or Coupe glass, this is a spirit-forward yet refreshing cocktail with a moderate alcohol content.
Serving size
120-150 ml / 4-5 oz
Alcohol content
20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Martini or Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled glass with a sugar-dusted rim

Backstory

The Lemon Drop Martini was created in the 1970s by Norman Jay Hobday, founder and owner of Henry Africa's bar in San Francisco. The bar was known as one of America's first "fern bars," catering to a younger, single crowd. The drink was designed to be appealing and easy to drink, capitalizing on the popularity of sweet, approachable cocktails of the era.
Origin
United States, San Francisco, 1970s

Lemon Drop Martini

The drink is almost universally known as the Lemon Drop Martini, though it is sometimes shortened to just "Lemon Drop". This name directly reflects its key ingredients and candy-like flavor profile. It is a modern cocktail and does not have a wide range of historical alternative names.
Original name
Lemon Drop Martini
Alternative name
Lemon Drop

Characteristics overview

The Lemon Drop Martini boasts a bright, citrusy aroma and a flavor profile dominated by a balance of sweet and sour lemon. It has a smooth texture and a clean, crisp finish, making it a refreshing choice for any season.
Flavor
sweet, sour, citrusy, lemony, zesty
Aroma
lemon, citrus, orange liqueur, fresh
Taste balance
sour, sweet
Aftertaste
clean, crisp, sweet, short
Fizziness
still, none
Color appearance
pale yellow, hazy, translucent
Texture
smooth, crisp, light
Seasonality
refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely fruity and sour, balanced by a significant sweetness, with a moderate alcohol presence. It is a still drink with no creaminess, saltiness, or bitterness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The primary ingredients are vodka, an orange liqueur like triple sec, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup for sweetness. Superfine sugar and a lemon twist are used for the rim and garnish, respectively.
  • Vodka45 ml / 1.5 oz
    Citrus vodka can be used for an extra lemon flavor.
  • Triple Sec20 ml / 0.75 oz
    Cointreau or another high-quality orange liqueur can be substituted.
  • Lemon Juice25 ml / 1 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Adjust quantity to taste, depending on desired sweetness.
  • Superfine Sugar1 tablespoon
    For rimming the glass.
  • Lemon Twist1
    A thin lemon wheel is also a common garnish.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker to chill and mix the ingredients, along with a jigger for measuring and a set of strainers for a smooth, ice-free pour.
  • Cocktail shaker to chill and combine ingredients
  • Hawthorne strainer to strain from shaker
  • Fine-mesh strainer for double-straining
  • Jigger for accurate measurement

Instructions

The process involves chilling and rimming a glass with sugar, shaking the liquid ingredients with ice, and double-straining into the prepared glass. A final garnish of a lemon twist completes the drink.
1. Chill your martini or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the sugar rim: Pour superfine sugar onto a small plate. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of the chilled glass, then dip the rim into the sugar to coat it evenly.
3. Add ingredients: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
4. Shake well: Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled and frosted.
5. Strain: Double-strain the mixture through a Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainer into the prepared chilled martini glass to remove any ice shards.
6. Garnish: Express the oils from a lemon twist over the surface of the drink for aroma, then drop it into the glass or place it on the rim.

Garnishing

The classic presentation involves a sugar-rimmed glass, which adds sweetness with each sip. It is often finished with a lemon twist or a thin lemon wheel on the rim.
  • Sugar rim: Coat the outer rim of the glass with superfine sugar
  • Lemon twist: Express oils over the drink and drop in or place on the rim

Dietary Information

This cocktail is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. Assuming distilled spirits are used, it is also gluten-free and suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a moderately caloric cocktail, with its calories primarily coming from the alcohol and sugar. The carbohydrate and sugar content is relatively high due to the simple syrup and triple sec.
Calories
Averagely 190-240 kcal / 795-1004 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 14-19 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for celebratory occasions, happy hours, and social gatherings like a girls' night out. Its refreshing character also makes it a great choice for summer parties or as a pre-dinner drink.
  • Happy Hour
  • Girls' Night Out
  • Celebration
  • Summer Party

Pairing suggestions

The Lemon Drop Martini's sweet and tart profile pairs well with light appetizers and seafood, such as shrimp cocktail or ceviche. It can also complement salty snacks or act as a dessert pairing with fruit-based tarts. Its zesty nature cuts through richness, making it a versatile choice.
  • Light appetizers
  • Seafood like shrimp cocktail or ceviche
  • Salty snacks
  • Fruit tarts

The Zesty Elegance of the Lemon Drop Martini

The Lemon Drop Martini is a modern classic known for its delightful balance of sweet and sour. Originating from 1970s San Francisco, this vodka-based cocktail combines triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to recreate the taste of the namesake candy. Served in a signature sugar-rimmed glass, it is a visually appealing and refreshingly crisp drink. It is an excellent choice for celebrations, happy hours, or for anyone who enjoys a vibrant, citrus-forward cocktail.