Lemon Drop Martini
When I was younger, my mom had the perfect lemon drop martini at a restaurant, only to never have it again. So my dad set out to perfect the ratios so he could make her one at home. This is that recipe, it’s not too sweet, not too sour, just perfection!
Lemon Drop Martini
The perfect balance was stricken by my dad, searching to recreate these for my mom after having amazing ones at a nice restaurant.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a shaker
- Shake with lots of ice until the tin is cold as f*** in your hands
- Strain into a martini glass with a sugar rim (if desired)
- You can be fancy like my mom, and add a luxardo cherry with some of the syrup to settle at the bottom
Nutrition Facts
Calories
193Fat
0 gSat. Fat
0 gCarbs
17 gFiber
0 gNet carbs
17 gSugar
16 gProtein
0 gSodium
13 mgCholesterol
0 mgThe nuitrion information is based on estimates and is not definitive.
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Some drinks are just drinks. And then there are the ones that tell a story—the ones with a little history, a little romance, a little magic in every sip. The Lemon Drop Martini is one of those drinks for me. It’s bright, it’s crisp, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart. But more than that, it’s a love story in a glass.
My mom had her first Lemon Drop Martini at a nice restaurant one evening, and it was perfection. Smooth, citrusy, just the right amount of sweetness with that refreshing kick of lemon. The kind of drink that makes you sit back, close your eyes, and savor the moment. The problem? She could never find another one quite like it. No matter where she went, no Lemon Drop ever lived up to that first, perfect sip.
That’s where my dad came in. Some husbands bring home flowers; my dad took it as a mission to recreate the best Lemon Drop Martini my mom had ever tasted. And after plenty of trial and error, tweaking the ratios, adjusting the sweetness, and perfecting the citrus balance—he nailed it. To this day, it’s the gold standard in our house, the drink that sets the bar for all others.
The Perfect Balance
A great Lemon Drop Martini is all about harmony. Too much lemon, and you’re puckering like you just bit into a raw slice. Too much sugar, and it becomes a cloying, syrupy mess. But when you hit that perfect ratio? Magic. It’s smooth but bright, refreshing but indulgent, the kind of cocktail that makes you feel fancy no matter where you’re drinking it.
It starts with good vodka—clean, crisp, no harsh bite. Fresh lemon juice is key—none of that bottled stuff if you want the real thing (although we use the bottled stuff all the time lol). A little simple syrup to balance the tartness. And of course, the signature sugar rim, which adds just the right touch of sweetness with every sip.
More Than Just a Drink
This cocktail isn’t just about taste; it’s about experience. The ritual of shaking it over ice until it’s perfectly chilled. The frosty glass, rimmed with sugar, waiting for that first pour. That first sip, where the brightness of lemon hits first, followed by the velvety smoothness of vodka and the hint of sweetness that lingers just long enough.
For my mom, it was the drink that brought back a memory. For my dad, it was the satisfaction of recreating something she loved. And for me, it’s a reminder that the best things in life—whether it’s a cocktail, a meal, or a moment—are often the ones made with care and love.
A Classic That Never Gets Old
The beauty of a Lemon Drop Martini is that it fits any occasion. Celebrating something special? It’s elegant enough for a toast. Need a little pick-me-up? The citrusy zing does the trick. Girls’ night, date night, or just unwinding after a long day—this cocktail always delivers.
And while restaurants and bars might try their own versions, nothing quite beats the one perfected at home. Maybe it’s the extra bit of care that goes into making it. Maybe it’s the memory attached to every sip. Either way, this is one cocktail that will always have a special place in my heart—and in my glass.