Meyer Lemon Recipes

Meyer Lemon Drop Martini 🍋🍸

Millie Pham

Let me just say, this Meyer Lemon Drop Martini is pure sunshine in a glass. It’s sweet, tart, and oh-so-refreshing.

Meyer lemons have this amazing floral, almost sweet flavor that sets this martini apart from the usual.

Perfect for date night, a girls’ get-together, or even just to treat yourself after a long day—you deserve it!

What You’ll Need:

  • 2 oz vodka (plain or citrus-flavored)
  • 1 oz fresh-squeezed Meyer lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • ½ oz triple sec or Cointreau
  • ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • Ice cubes (for shaking)
  • Granulated sugar (for rimming the glass)
  • Thin slice of Meyer lemon (for garnish)
all the ingredients

Pro Tips:

  1. Juice fresh Meyer lemons. Fresh juice makes a huge difference—bottled won’t cut it here.
  2. Chill everything. Pop the glass in the freezer and keep your vodka cold for an ultra-smooth drink.
  3. Adjust the sweetness. Taste your martini before serving; add a touch more simple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
  4. Sugar rim trick: Rub a Meyer lemon slice around the rim before dipping into sugar—it helps it stick perfectly!
  5. Shake like you mean it. This cocktail is at its best when shaken super cold.

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Jigger or measuring cup
  • Martini glass
  • Small plate (for sugar)
  • Citrus juicer
  • Fine strainer (optional, for pulp-free juice)

Substitutions and Variations:

  • No Meyer lemons? Regular lemons work, but add a tiny splash of orange juice to mimic the sweeter Meyer lemon flavor.
  • Make it bubbly: Top with a splash of sparkling water or Prosecco for a lighter twist.
  • No simple syrup? Use honey or agave nectar, but mix well to dissolve.

Instructions:

1. Prep the Glass

Rub a slice of Meyer lemon around the rim of your martini glass. Dip the rim into granulated sugar on a small plate until evenly coated.

coupe glass rim being dipped into a small white plate of sugar,

2. Juice the Lemon

Squeeze the juice from a Meyer lemon. You’ll need about 1 oz, which is usually one lemon.

a bowl of lemon juice

3. Shake the Cocktail

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz Meyer lemon juice, ½ oz triple sec, and ½ oz simple syrup. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the shaker feels icy cold.

4. Strain the Cocktail

Strain the cocktail into your sugar-rimmed martini glass. Garnish with a thin slice of Meyer lemon on top.

cocktail being strained into a sugar-rimmed coupe glass, pale yellow liquid pouring smoothly

5. Garnish and Serve

Add a thin slice of Meyer lemon to float on top of the drink, or perch it on the rim of the glass. Serve immediately and enjoy!

a Meyer Lemon Drop Martini in a sugar-rimmed glass, garnished with a thin Meyer lemon slice floating on top

Leftovers & Storage:

  • This martini is best enjoyed fresh, but you can mix the vodka, lemon juice, triple sec, and simple syrup ahead of time. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days, and shake with ice right before serving.

Cheers!

This Meyer Lemon Drop Martini is everything you want—bright, crisp, and just fancy enough to make any moment feel special. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! Did you tweak the sweetness? Add a bubbly twist? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about your spin on it. 🥂

Hi there! I'm Millie Pham, a devoted brewer and tea lover at heart. As the founder of Bean Leaf Cup, my mission is to share my tea and coffee expertise with you all. I firmly believe that creating a fantastic cup of tea or coffee should be easy for everyone. No matter if you're already a coffee or tea expert or just beginning your journey, I'm here to help you navigate the world of brewing. Welcome aboard!