• Vodka
  60 ml (2 oz)

  Use a good quality vodka for a smooth finish
• Triple sec (or Cointreau)
  15 ml (0.5 oz)

  Adds orange sweetness and depth
• Fresh lemon juice
  30 ml (1 oz)

  Freshly squeezed for the best flavor
• Simple syrup
  15 ml (0.5 oz)

  Adjust to taste for your preferred sweetness
• Granulated sugar
  30 ml (1 oz)

  For rimming the glass (use as needed)

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Fine mesh strainer
• Citrus juicer
• Martini glass

1. 1

   Chill a martini glass by filling it with ice water and setting aside.

2. 2

   Rim the glass: Pour granulated sugar onto a small plate. Moisten the rim of your martini glass with a lemon wedge, then dip the rim into the sugar to coat.

3. 3

   Add vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

4. 4

   Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until well-chilled.

5. 5

   Discard the ice water from your martini glass, then strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into the prepared glass.

6. 6

   Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel for an elegant finishing touch.

• The perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Refreshing and light—ideal for any season.
• Easy to make with just a few ingredients.
• A crowd-pleaser at parties and celebrations.
• Elegant presentation with a sugared rim.

The Lemon Drop Martini was created in the 1970s in San Francisco, at the iconic Henry Africa’s bar—a pioneer in the fern bar movement. Inspired by the classic lemon drop candy, this cocktail was designed to be both sweet and tart, capturing the playful spirit of its namesake. Over the decades, it quickly rose to fame, becoming a staple on cocktail menus around the world. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its simple yet sophisticated flavor profile.