Lemon Drop Cocktail
The lemon drop cocktail is a tangy, refreshing drink that combines citrus and vodka. I like to add a little extra lemon flavor by rubbing lemon zest into the sugar to release its oils before rimming the glass.
This cocktail is all about balance. The sweetness of simple syrup complements the tartness of fresh lemon juice, while vodka provides a clean, smooth base. A bit of triple sec adds a hint of orange to bring it all together. Not everyone adds triple sec to their lemon drop but I am fairly sure was traditionally first made with triple sec, and I personally love the addition so that’s how I do it!
Here’s how it’s made
- Start by rubbing finely zested lemon peel into sugar to release its oils and create a citrusy sugar mix for the rim. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled martini glass, then dip it into the sugar.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake well until chilled, then strain into your prepared glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or wedge, and serve!
SERVING TIPS
- For a fun twist, you can make a frozen Lemon Drop by blending the ingredients with ice.
- For a sweeter cocktail, adjust the amount of simple syrup to your liking, or use lemon-flavored vodka.
- This cocktail looks great in a martini glass with the sugar-rubbed zest rim, but you can also serve it in a coupe glass or short tumbler.
Enjoy!
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Lemon Drop Cocktail
The lemon drop cocktail is a tangy, refreshing drink that combines citrus and vodka. I like to add a little extra lemon flavor by rubbing lemon zest into the sugar to release its oils before rimming the glass.
Ingredients
Sugared Rim
- 2-3 tablespoons of fine sugar
- 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest
Cocktail
- 2 oz / 60ml vodka
- 1 oz / 30ml fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz / 45 ml Simple syrup
- 1/2 oz / 15 ml Triple Sec
- Ice
- Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions
- Rub lemon zest into sugar to release the oils, then rub the rim of a chilled martini glass with a lemon wedge and dip it into the zest-infused sugar.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into your prepared glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or wedge.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 207Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 0gSugar: 14gProtein: 0g
