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)
Pro Tips:
- Juice fresh Meyer lemons. Fresh juice makes a huge difference—bottled won’t cut it here.
- Chill everything. Pop the glass in the freezer and keep your vodka cold for an ultra-smooth drink.
- Adjust the sweetness. Taste your martini before serving; add a touch more simple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
- Sugar rim trick: Rub a Meyer lemon slice around the rim before dipping into sugar—it helps it stick perfectly!
- 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.
2. Juice the Lemon
Squeeze the juice from a Meyer lemon. You’ll need about 1 oz, which is usually one lemon.
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.
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!
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. 🥂