This lemon drop cocktail is tangy, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. It’s a bright little cocktail with fresh lemon juice, smooth vodka, and a lemon zest sugar rim that takes it to the next level.

About this recipe

The lemon drop is a classic vodka cocktail made with vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and triple sec. It’s a simple cocktail to shake together and a great choice if you love bright, citrus-forward drinks. It’s served in a martini or coupe glass with a sugared rim.
This cocktail is all about balance. The simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved, then cooled) smooths out the tartness of the fresh lemon juice, while the vodka gives a nice a clean base. I also add a splash of triple sec, which brings a subtle hint of orange that rounds everything out. Not everyone includes triple sec in their lemon drop, but I’m fairly sure it was traditionally made with it, and I personally love what it adds.
What really sets this one apart is the rim. Instead of just dipping the glass in plain sugar, I rub finely grated lemon zest into the sugar first. This releases the oils from the zest and creates this beautifully fragrant, citrusy sugar that you taste with every sip. If you love lemon cocktails, also check out my limoncello lemon drop martini for an even more lemony version.

Key ingredients and why

Vodka: The base spirit. It keeps things clean and lets the lemon shine. A mid-shelf vodka works perfectly here.
Fresh lemon juice: This is what makes the cocktail. Always use freshly squeezed, never bottled. One medium lemon gives you roughly 1 oz of juice.
Simple syrup: Balances the tartness of the lemon. Simple syrup is just equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved, then cooled. You can adjust the amount to taste.
Triple sec: Adds a subtle orange flavor that brings the whole cocktail together. It’s not overpowering, just a nice little layer of depth behind the lemon.
Lemon zest sugar rim: Rubbing fresh lemon zest into sugar releases the citrus oils and creates a fragrant, flavorful rim. It makes a real difference compared to plain sugar.

Method

Finely grate some lemon zest and rub it into a small plate of sugar to release the oils. r.

Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled martini glass, then dip it into the lemon sugar

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake well until chilled, then strain into the glass.

Garnish with a lemon wedge and serve!

Tips

Rub the zest into the sugar. Don’t just mix them. Really press and rub the zest in with your fingers so the oils release into the sugar. You’ll be able to smell the difference immediately.
Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice has a flat, slightly bitter taste that doesn’t come close to fresh. It makes a big difference in a cocktail this simple.
Chill your glass. Pop it in the freezer for a few minutes while you prep, or fill it with ice while you shake.
Adjust the sweetness. If you like things a bit sweeter, add a little more simple syrup. You can also try lemon-flavored vodka for even more citrus.
Make it frozen. Blend all the ingredients with a cup of ice for a slushy lemon drop. It’s a fun twist for summer.
Coupe glass works too. This cocktail looks great in a martini glass, but a coupe or even a short tumbler works just as well.

Enjoy!

More citrus and vodka cocktails

If you love bright, citrusy cocktails, check out more of my vodka cocktail recipes. Here are a few favorites: