The Lemon Drop martini is a vodka-based cocktail that has a sweet and sour flavor profile. It is made by shaking vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup or sugar together with ice and straining into a chilled martini glass. Lemon Drop martinis often have a sugared rim to complement the sweet-tart flavor. This refreshing cocktail is a modern classic that has been popular since the 1970s. In this article, we will explore the history and origins of the Lemon Drop martini, the ingredients that go into it, how to make it, recommended vodkas to use, and serving suggestions. Read on for everything you need to know about making and enjoying this zesty vodka cocktail!
History and Origins of the Lemon Drop Martini
The Lemon Drop martini is a relatively new cocktail that rose to prominence in the 1970s. Prior to that, there are no known references to the Lemon Drop martini. It is commonly accepted that the Lemon Drop was invented in the 1970s at Henry Africa’s bar in San Francisco. The inventor of the cocktail is disputed – some credit Henry Africa himself, while others say it was conceived by a bartender named Norman Bukofzer.
What is known for certain is that the Lemon Drop became popularized at Henry Africa’s establishment. The bar was a hip gathering place for neighborhood locals and celebrities like Johnny Carson, William Holden, and Natalie Wood in the 1970s. As the legend goes, the Lemon Drop martini was presented in a martini glass with a sugared rim to resemble a lemon drop candy, hence the name. The cocktail grew in popularity over the next decades, cementing its place as a vodka martini classic found on bar menus everywhere.
Ingredients
The ingredients for a Lemon Drop martini are simple and include just a few key components:
Vodka
Vodka is the primary alcohol base of a Lemon Drop martini. A neutral vodka allows the fresh lemon flavor to take center stage. Traditional vodka like Smirnoff, Absolut, or Skyy work well. Citrus flavored vodkas like Stoli Citros, Absolut Citron, or Lemoncita are also excellent choices. Typically 1 1⁄2 to 2 ounces of vodka is used per cocktail. Go with a mid-range premium vodka for the best flavor.
Fresh lemon juice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides tartness and that essential lemon flavor. Approximately 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice per cocktail is ideal. Meyer lemons, if available, offer a slightly sweeter and floral lemon note. Regular yellow lemons work great too. Bottled lemon juice should be avoided as it lacks fresh lemon taste.
Simple syrup
Simple syrup is made by combining equal parts sugar and water and mixing until the sugar dissolves. Simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the lemon tartness. Use 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 ounce simple syrup per Lemon Drop cocktail. Instead of simple syrup, some recipes call for 1⁄2 ounce of regular white sugar or superfine sugar per drink.
Ice
Ice cubes are standard for shaking and chilling the Lemon Drop martini. Use good quality ice cubes so they don’t melt too quickly while shaking. Cracked ice can also be used.
How to Make a Lemon Drop Martini
Making a Lemon Drop martini is easy and comes together quickly by shaking just a few ingredients:
Gather ingredients
You’ll need vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup or sugar, and ice cubes. Have a cocktail shaker and martini glass ready. A lemon wedge or slice is also useful for garnish.
Prepare martini glass
First, prepare your martini glass by moistening the rim with lemon juice and dipping it in sugar to coat. Set aside.
Add ingredients to cocktail shaker
Next, measure ingredients into a cocktail shaker – 1 1⁄2 to 2 ounces vodka, 3⁄4 to 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, and 1⁄2 ounce simple syrup or 1⁄2 ounce sugar.
Fill with ice
Fill shaker with ice cubes.
Shake
Secure lid on shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
Strain into glass
Strain liquid through a Hawthorne or mesh strainer into the chilled, sugar-rimmed martini glass.
Garnish
Garnish with a thin lemon wedge or twist on rim of glass.
Enjoy!
Taste your Lemon Drop martini! Sip and enjoy this refreshing vodka cocktail.
Tips for Making the Best Lemon Drop Martini
Making a delicious Lemon Drop martini relies on a few key tips:
– Use fresh lemon juice for maximum flavor – never bottled juice.
– Rim the glass with sugar to complement the sweet-tart flavors.
– Shake vigorously with ice to properly chill and dilute the cocktail.
– Strain into chilled glass so drink doesn’t get watered down.
– Select a good quality mid-range vodka that won’t overpower the lemon.
– Adjust sugar and lemon to taste – add more of each if you like it tarter or sweeter.
– Use freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice for a sweeter, more floral lemon flavor.
– Consider adding a citrus vodka for more lemon essence.
– Garnish with a colorful lemon wedge or twist.
Recommended Vodkas
The vodka you choose for a Lemon Drop martini impacts flavor. Here are some excellent vodka options:
– Tito’s Handmade Vodka – An affordable American vodka with a smooth, clean taste.
– Ketel One Vodka – A classic Dutch wheat-based vodka with a crisp lemon aroma.
– Grey Goose Vodka – A premium French vodka with hints of lime and lemon zest.
– Stoli Citros – A lemon-flavored Russian vodka ideal for Lemon Drop martinis.
– Absolut Citron – A Swedish vodka with bright lemon and lime notes.
– Belvedere Citrus – A Polish rye vodka infused with lemon and grapefruit.
– Cîroc Snap Frost – French vodka blended with lemon and lime juice.
– Square One Organic Vodka – An organic American vodka with a balanced, mellow flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon Drop martinis pair well with certain flavors and make a refreshing cocktail for various occasions:
Cocktail Hour
The Lemon Drop martini’s balance of sweet and sour flavors makes it an ideal cocktail hour or appetizer drink.
Seafood
The clean, citrus taste complements seafood like oysters, shrimp, and ceviche.
Spicy Foods
The sweet-tart lemon profile counters heat and cools the palate with spicy dishes.
Hot Summer Days
A chilled Lemon Drop martini refreshes perfectly on a hot summer day.
Dessert Cocktail
The sugar-rimmed glass makes a sweet contrast to tart lemon curd or berry desserts.
Lemon Drop Martini Variations
While the original is a classic, there are many fun Lemon Drop martini variations:
Blueberry Lemon Drop
Muddle 5-6 blueberries with the other ingredients. Garnish with lemon and blueberry.
Cranberry Lemon Drop
Use cranberry juice instead of simple syrup. Shake with cranberries.
Appletini
Substitute apple schnapps for vodka. Shake with thin apple slices.
Lemon Drop Shooter
Layer vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shot glass.
Skinny Lemon Drop
Use sugar-free lemonade instead of simple syrup. Garnish with cucumber slice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a Lemon Drop martini be shaken or stirred?
Lemon Drop martinis should always be shaken, never stirred. Shaking properly chills and dilutes the cocktail. Stirring won’t blend the ingredients as smoothly.
What vodka is best for a Lemon Drop martini?
A neutral vodka like Tito’s, Ketel One, or Grey Goose works well. Citrus flavored vodkas also complement the lemon juice.
Is a Lemon Drop martini sweet?
Yes, Lemon Drop martinis have a sweet-tart flavor thanks to lemon juice and a sugar rim. Adjust sugar to taste preference.
Can you make a Lemon Drop martini without alcohol?
Yes, omit the vodka and increase lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a sugar-rimmed glass for a virgin Lemon Drop.
Should you use fresh lemon juice in a Lemon Drop?
Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice lacks fresh lemon taste.
Conclusion
With its sweet-tart lemon profile, the Lemon Drop martini is a modern classic cocktail that’s easy to make and enjoy. Just shake vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice and strain into a chilled sugar-rimmed glass for a refreshing vodka drink. Tailor the amount of sweet and sour to your taste, garnish with a lemon wedge, and sip this zesty martini anytime you crave a sweet-sour citrus kick. The Lemon Drop’s burst of lemon and touch of sweet from the sugared rim makes it a perennial crowd-pleasing cocktail.