Lemon Drop co*cktail: the perfect sweet co*cktail to share with friends (2024)

A classic lemon co*cktail recipe perfect for using up fresh lemons. This Lemon Drop co*cktail is a sweet and tart co*cktail great for a ladies’ night or after-dinner co*cktails.

Why this recipe works

As 70’s fashion and decor makes its come back with retro side tables and all things tassels, crochet, lace, and bell-bottoms, we would be remiss to miss out on some of the best contributions from the ’70s: inventive co*cktails, just like this lemon drop martini recipe.

The lemon drop co*cktail is one of the best mainstays from the 1970s when it was invented in a singles “fern bar” – classically decorated with wooden paneling, fake Tiffany’s lamps, and yes, lots of overgrown ferns. It’s a riff on a classic martini and is still perfect for those who want a strong co*cktail, but don’t really have a taste for alcohol. It’s among my favorite lemon drinks, right up there with the Lynchburg Lemonade!

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

LIQUOR – You will need Triple Sec and vodka. You can use any orange-flavored liquor to replace triple sec if you don’t have it.

ADDITIONS – You can use store-bought simple syrup or make your own by mixing together equal parts of water and sugar and bring to a boil on the stove until sugar dissolves. Allow it to cool completely before using. We suggest fresh lemon juice instead of from the bottle.

How to Make a Lemon Drop co*cktail

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. First, sugar the rim of your glass. You can use simple syrup to attach the sugar to the rim or water. It’s a personal preference. Place the sanding sugar in a shallow dish big enough to fit the mouth of your glass in.
2. Wet the edges of the glasses (using either simple syrup or water) and then immediately dip the edge into the sanding sugar, rotating to coat the edge completely. Set aside.
3. In a co*cktail shaker filled with ice, add the remaining ingredients. Attach lid and shake well.
4. Divide the lemon drop co*cktail between your glasses.
5. Zest or cut two small strips of lemon skin from your lemon, and then twist well. Garnish the glass with the lemon twist and serve.

   EXPERT TIP: I find a chopstick or skewer is great for helping get a nice spiral, but you can just twist with your fingers.

   

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Serving Suggestions

This lemon drop co*cktail recipe reminds me of sour candy, it’s got a perfect sweet-pucker effect, especially when you add the sugared rib (just like sugared candies). This is definitely a dessert co*cktail, as it’s a bit too sweet to pair with a meal, but it is perfect for sipping on with friends – especially in the summer.

More co*cktail Recipes

• Gimlet co*cktail
• Sidecar co*cktail
• Painkiller co*cktail
• Rum Cruiser co*cktail
• Cosmopolitan co*cktail
• Manhattan co*cktail

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This post originally appeared here on Aug 18, 2018 and has since been updated with new photos and tips.