The Best Lemon Drop Martini You’ll Ever Have…
The Best Lemon Drop Martini You’ll Ever Have is the one you’ll make with the recipe below. You’ll make it over and over and over, again. They’re THAT good.
This was originally published April 12, 2013.
There’s little story behind these lemon drop martini. When it comes to gift giving, I usually prefer to give, than to receive.
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I’m not being dishonest or altruistic, it’s just that I usually put a lot of thought into the gift I give. I get so much out of seeing the joy on the recipient’s face when they see the present they’ve been given. However, there have been several times when I have received such a gift myself, and I have been just as elated!
The Discovery
One of these memorable gifts was given to me by two of my friends, Vicki and Kelly (sisters), who came to a surprise party that my husband threw for me when I became a US citizen, several years ago.
A few weeks prior, I had gone to my friend Vicki’s house after our sons’ baseball game, and she asked what I would like to drink. I agreed to a glass of wine, but another friend chose a lemon drop martini. Vicki made it using freshly picked lemons off her tree outside, and insisted I try a sip. All I can say is that I was so disappointed that I’d chosen to have wine! It was one of the best cocktails I’d ever tasted.
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It was perfectly “lemon-y” without being too sour, and the alcohol was almost indistinguishable. The sugar-rimmed glass was the crowning glory. I could totally understand why it was called a “Lemon Drop” martini because it actually gave the sensation of, and tasted like a lemon drop candy. Vicki ended up making me my own cocktail that night. So that was it: I was hooked.
The Gift
Vicki realized how much I loved the lemon drop martini, and must have suggested to her sister that they use it as a theme for my present. It was a lovely basket containing two elegant martini glasses, fresh lemons, a little bag of Baker’s Sugar (caster sugar in the UK) a bottle of Ketel One Citroen Vodka and this recipe card.
I still remember the colors of yellow and pink in the basket, standing out against the rest of the basket’s contents. It wasn’t opened for days as I just wanted to gaze at it.
I eventually did open it (I didn’t want the lemons to rot in that gorgeous basket). Although the bottle of vodka, sugar and lemons are long gone, I still have the glasses, recipe card, and most importantly, the memory of such a beautiful gift, lovingly prepared with so much thoughtfulness.
However, this was just the start of many more memories to come from that glorious gift.
The Ripple Effect
There were lemon drop martinis at Angela’s 1940s themed 40th Birthday Party, and as you can see, they were a huge hit!
My husband (on the computer screen) and my cousin with her husband of only one day, drinking Lemon Drop Martinis using the same lemons, Ketel One vodka, and same glasses. This took place on Skype between London and Los Angeles.
Barbecues with family in England, and Lemon Drop Martinis.
And many other “no reason for a Lemon Drop, but we’re having one anyway” occasions!
Thanks for the memories, Vicki and Kelly!
If you love martinis, try this pumpkin spice espresso martini recipe, too!
The Lemon Drop Recipe
Lemon drop martinis are now my signature cocktail, and I must say, they are absolutely top-notch when made with freshly picked Meyer lemons. I’ve tried other vodkas and spirits, but in this drink, nothing compares to Ketel One Citroen Vodka, so try to stay true to this recipe for the best results. You can put less sugar if you prefer; in fact, my cousin likes his with no sugar whatsoever! It’s much too sour for me this way, but he loves them. It’s important to use the fine Baker’s (caster) sugar because granulated sugar won’t melt completely.
You can also make virgin LDMs by omitting the vodka and using water instead, so it’s basically lemonade in a sugar-rimmed glass. However, children may have a kiddie version, and those not wanting to partake in drinking alcohol (e.g. designated drivers)* can also enjoy the “lemon-drop” experience.
NOTE: I’ve since made a frozen lemon drop martini version of this cocktail, too! .
The Best Lemon Drop Martini You’ll Ever Have…
makes one martini author unknown
FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW
Special equipment: one martini glass.
Rub the edge of a martini glass with half a lemon.
Then dip the rim of the glass in baker’s sugar in a plate to rim the glass.
Shake all ingredients together with ice in a martini shaker approximately 50 times.
Pour into sugar rimmed glass and enjoy!
You may also enjoy this fresh strawberry lemon drop martini.
*Please don’t drink and drive! My neighbor’s nanny just lost her son (who was a husband, and father of two) to a drunk driver.
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The Best Lemon Drop Martini You'll Ever Have...
Special Equipment
- 2 martini glasses (Made in Germany)
- 1 martini shaker (Made in Italy)
Ingredients
- 6 oz Ketel One Citroen Vodka
- 4 oz lemon juice Meyer lemons, organic if possible
- 4 tsp extra-fine sugar (plus extra sugar for rimming glass) use less in cocktail, if desired
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Rub the edge of a martini glass with half a lemon.
- Then dip the rim of the glass in baker’s sugar in a plate to rim the glass.
- Shake all ingredients together with ice in a martini shaker approximately 50 times.
- Pour into sugar rimmed glass and enjoy!
Notes
- Do use Ketel One Citroen Vodka for the best results. I've tried other vodkas and this is the best for this recipe.
Nutrition
Christina’s Cucina is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
I lost my 15 yr old daughter to a drunk driver! I was picking out her casket on her 16th birthday, so I appreciate you taking the time to bring the dangers of drunk drivers to the forefront! It can happen to anyone! In an instant your life can be changed, like mine was, due to someone else’s poor choices! Haters are gonna hate but it’s sad!
I am SO truly sorry for your indescribable loss, Nancy. I have no words. A parent should never bury their child under any circumstances, but a drunk driver has to be the worst possible situation. If only everyone would think before doing something so incredibly senseless, selfish, dangerous and careless, we wouldn’t have people dying from drunk drivers. I will keep you in my prayers.
My husband and I made these Lemon Drop cocktails for New Year’s Eve (made more than one!!). Such a refreshing drink with an incredible lemony taste! It will be our “go to drink” when entertaining. Thank you for sharing such a great recipe, Christina, and for sharing all your other great recipes! Happy New Year!
Thank YOU, Sue! It’s absolutely lovely to hear positive things about my posts and recipes. I’m so glad you enjoyed the lemon drops! Happy New Year!
I absolutely hate having to scroll to the end of this “stories” to get the recipe!! I could care less about what inspired the recipe! Then to top it off, you post about a drunk driver…
@Nikki, I’m concerned for you. Please let me know immediately who is physically forcing you to read/scroll through this blog that you obviously dislike so very much. It must be awful having to suffer the overuse injuries to your fingers resultant from such excessive scrolling through these stories. I would recommend you submit a formal complaint to the Bevy of Interested Tourists Court House. They take a keen interest in victimization cases like yours.
Glad you’re angry about a PSA regarding drunk driving on New Year’s Eve. Do you live in such isolation that this isn’t a potential problem in your area, or are you just strongly in favor of keeping the roads as dangerous as possible? I urge you to reconsider before posting such self-centered criticisms of another person’s efforts to positively contribute to the world of internet recipes.
Thanks for spreading the holiday cheer,
HughJ
Please…They always have to give their life story about how the recipe came to be…I don’t care how or where they got it from or whatever they are bragging about…Now, please move along little boy
Nikki,
It’s obvious to me that you’re angry at the world and have nothing better to do than take the time to spread your anger and ignorance on the internet where no one can respond to you in person (lucky for you).
I hope you resolve whatever your issues are so you can have a happier 2017! Good luck!
I loved your response! I also enjoy to read about a cook’s inspiration. Best of luck to you!
Christina M.
Thanks, Christina!! :)
Reading your story was pure joy and I enjoyed it immensely. Don’t listen to any haters who have nothing better to do than throw negativity at the world. Cheers to you! Jill
Thank you for your support, Jill! :)
Nikki- I am usually more interested in the recipes than the stories too. I don’t find it too challenging to scroll through though. Perhaps a suggestion of adding a “skip to recipe” link may have been better received. Many blogs have this feature and it is nice to have the option. No need to be rude.
Absolutely correct, Nikki. Thank you for your comment. There’s always a right and wrong way to leave a comment and never an excuse to be rude. :)
Best lemon drop ever! Preparing for any holiday can be to say the least stressful! I was surfing the internet prparing for our preholiday feast and came across this recipe. It looked like a nice addition and so simple for our holiday gathering. I went out and purchased the ingredients. Wow! What a wonderful treat. I will recommend that its necessary to use a shaker, big mistake if you don’t, waste too much ! Now my next purchase will be a martini shaker!! Best and happiest of holidays to you all!
Thank you so much, Lisa!! I just LOVE these lemon drops, but yes, a shaker is a necessity to make them! So glad you discovered them and hope you enjoy some more of my recipes! Happy holidays to you, too! :)
Lemon drop martinis have been my signature drink for years. They are amazing. I make them with Splenda, so they are even lower in calories and carbs. To drink a Lemon Drop is to celebrate life
They really are great cocktails, Kathy!!
Great story and great sounding drink! Will be trying this out at our next bbq – a refreshing change from pimms :) Ciao!
Oh you’ll be hooked, Cristiano! Let me know what you think! :)