Lemon drop martinis should be in your home bar rotation if you’re a lemon fan. They are one of my favorite mixed drinks.
Tart and sweet, my version takes just three ingredients, lemon or citrus vodka, limoncello-which is a lemon liquor and lemonade.
But, I also love grapefruit mixed drinks.
Blood orange cocktails are another favorite.
But no matter what you’re drinking you absolutely need these.
You may also need really big ice cube trays to make jumbo ice cube spheres and blocks.
Lemon Drop Martinis Recipe
My favorite lemon drop martinis are made with just three ingredients: lemon vodka, limoncello and lemonade.
You’ll love it too, the drink is fresh and tart but with a hit of sweet.
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Whenever the husband and I have a date night, which is happening more now that we have a teenager, we usually go to our favorite sushi restaurant. The owner makes a perfect lemon drop martini.
I like to make cocktails at home because it’s so much more economical than going out.
These days in coastal Maine, a lemon drop martini at a restaurant or bar is at least $10. If you’re in a city, they probably cost more. I can make a lot of martinis at home for the price of four martinis at a bar.
After much experimenting and drinking of limoncello martinis, I think I’ve nailed the sushi restaurant owner’s version.
How to Make the Best Lemon Drop Martini
- Combine two ounces each of lemon vodka and limoncello with two to four ounces of lemonade in a cocktail shaker or mason jar, which has been packed full of ice cubes.
- Shake until the shaker or jar and liquid is freezing cold, at least one minute.
- Pour a few tablespoons of white sugar on a small plate.
- Run a lemon wedge along the rim of a martini glass.
- Roll the rim of the glass in the sugar. Pour liquid into a martini glass and serve.
Lemon Vodka Cocktail Notes
This is a great drink to enjoy after long day at work or after an afternoon of weeding and planting in the garden.
Serve with a little bowl of nuts or olives.
Of course, cheese and crackers or biscuits would go well too.
Lemon liquor aka Limoncello Brand Recommendations
If you’re living in Europe or an urban part of the U.S. maybe you have access to multiple brands of limoncello.
I have just two limoncello brands on my local liquor shelves: Caravella and Pallini.
Pallini is a brand I really like it and it happens to the brand that my Japanese bartender uses.
I’ve tried making my own limoncello and didn’t love how it turned out.
I used vodka, which I think might have been the issue. I’ve done some research which says a high alcohol content like Everclear is the best base for lemon liquor.
I’ve been using prepared lemonade for the lemon vodka mixed cocktails but lemon drop martinis would be even better with homemade lemonade.
Variations for Lemon Vodka Cocktails
The lemondrop martini is a popular drink.
History says it was invented by a San Francisco bar owner in the 1970’s.
There are lots of different recipes. Some call for lemon juice, others lime juice and triple sec. I really love limoncello and lemonade so that’s what I use.:
If you’re out of vodka, pour an ounce of limoncello in a tall glass full of ice and top with seltzer water.
Three ingredients are all you need to make tangy but sweet lemon drop martinis.3-Ingredient Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Do you need a lemon inspired dessert to accompany your cocktails?
Might I suggest Lemon Shortbread Hearts?
Further Reading:
History of Limoncello
How many calories are in vodka?
Your turn: what’s your favorite cocktail recipe?
Lemon Drop Martini Recipe (Just three ingredients)
Lemon Drop Martini (3-Ingredient Recipe)
Tart and sweet, my version of a Lemon Drop Martini takes just three ingredients, lemon or citrus vodka, limoncello-which is a lemon liquor and lemonade.
Ingredients
- two ounces citrus vodka
- two ounces limoncello
- two to four ounces lemonade (homemade or your favorite brand
- Ice (at least a cup)
- Granulated sugar for rim of glass
- One lemon to slice or peel for garnish
Instructions
Combine two ounces each of lemon vodka and limoncello with two to four ounces of lemonade in a cocktail shaker or mason jar, which has been packed full of ice cubes.
Shake until the shaker or jar and liquid is freezing cold, at least one minute.
Pour a few tablespoons of white sugar on a small plate.
Run a lemon wedge along the rim of a martini glass.
Roll the rim of the glass in the sugar.
Pour drink into a martini glass and serve.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 1 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 250Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 14mgCarbohydrates 255gFiber 0gSugar 253gProtein 0g
Mmmmm.. That is one yummy martini recipe.
Hi Milton,
Lemon drop martinis are the very best martini recipe! Hope you enjoy.
I love lemon drop martinis! I once read that every hostess should have a signature drink, and I claimed lemon drop martinis. I make mine with lemon juice, simple syrup, and vodka, and my friends are now disappointed if I don’t serve them at get together. Viva la lemon drop! Also, limoncello is surprisingly easy to make yourself!
We’re lemon drop sisters!
I’m just realizing that there are so many different ways to make them.
A pub near my house uses vodka, lemon vodka and a bit of house made sour mix. Still so delicious.
I did make a batch of limoncello the winter before last but I wasn’t thrilled with how it turned out. I used a bottle of Stoli and I’ve since done some research that it’s best made with a really high level of alcohol like Everclear.
Do you have a good limoncello recipe? What about your lemon drops-do you gild the lily with a sugared rim?
Thanks for visiting!
Jennifer
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