Sparkling Lemon Drop Martini (2024)

601 May 9, 2020 Almond Free

This Sparkling Lemon Drop Martini is much more than a shake and a stir! Fresh lemon juice, vodka, and topped with sparkling water make this drink tart, sweet, and easy to drink!

For as long as I can remember, my Dad has been shaking up my Mom fresh lemon drop martinis. There are plenty of lemon drop martini recipes out there, but he has taught me a thing or two on how to make the perfect lemon drop. Let’s review!

rules to make the best lemon drop martini recipe

Use fresh lemon juice. This is a must. Fresh is a whole different playing field than the bottled lemon juice that tastes slightly metallic. It takes a few extra minutes but the flavor comparison for this lemon drop can’t be beaten.
Only use a pinch of sugar. Lemon drops are known for their sweet and sour complexity. Rather than a sweet-tart, make you pucker martini. That is achieved by making a simple syrup. Which you are more than welcome to do; it is a ratio of 1:1 with sugar and water! But I choose to use stevia, or you can use regular sugar in its place. Just add a tiny spoonful or to taste. This is the perfect example of where less is more!
Use good vodka! Your taste buds and your lack of a hangover the next day will thank you! Smooth vodka will make for a smooth martini.
Shake, shake, shake. With ice that is. No one cares for a warm martini. My Dad says to shake 40 times to be exact. At that point, the ice starts to break down and the ice shards float in your drink, making for an ice-cold martini with no large pieces of ice in your way.
Bonus. A sugar rim. To make your drink extra special, line the rim with a lemon wedge and dip in sugar. You could forgo this step, but I highly suggest it. Actually, I require it.

ingredients you’ll need to make this sparkling lemon drop martini

Lemon Vodka
Fresh Lemon Juice
Pinch Sugar or Baking Stevia
Lemon Sparkling Water
Lemon wedge
Sugar for rimming

how to make the best lemon drop martini

Rim the top of a martini glass with the lemon wedge. And dip into sugar to coat. Set aside.
In a shaker, add the lemon vodka, lemon juice, sugar/stevia if using and a handful of ice. Shake for 15 seconds. Strain into martini glass, leaving the ice in the shaker. Top with sparkling water.
Serve immediately.

Can you prepare this lemon drop martini recipe ahead of time?

I highly suggest making these at the time of consuming as fresh ingredients are best.

Can you prepare a big batch of this lemon drop martini recipe?

Yes! I suggest only making one or two at a time as your co*cktail shaker will not fit much more. And you don’t want to crowd the shaker too much to ensure the liquid gets cold enough while shaking.

more easy co*cktail recipes:

Champagne Margarita
Coconut Margarita
Blueberry Mojito
Frozen Coconut Mojito
all healthy drink recipes here!

Sparkling Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

This Sparkling Lemon Drop Martini is much more than a shake and a stir! Fresh lemon juice, vodka and topped with sparkling water make this drink tart, sweet and easy to drink!

5 minPrep Time

5 minTotal Time

Yields 1

Author:

Megan

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Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces lemon vodka
2 ounces fresh lemon juice
Pinch sugar, or baking stevia, optional
2 ounces plain or lemon sparkling water, such as La Croix
1 lemon wedge
Sugar for rimming

Instructions

Rim the top of a martini glass with the lemon wedge. And dip into sugar to coat. Set aside.
In a shaker, add the lemon vodka, lemon juice, sugar/stevia if using and a handful of ice. Shake for 15 seconds. Strain into martini glass, leaving the ice in the shaker. Top with sparkling water.
Serve immediately.

Notes

*Make sure to use gluten-free vodka, if needed and add more lemon juice if not using lemon vodka

7.8.1.2

172

https://withsaltandwit.com/sparkling-lemon-drop-martini/

Click Here for Nutritional Information

If you make this recipe, make sure tosnap a photo and hashtag it#WITHSALTANDWIT. I’d love to see what you are cooking up in your kitchen!

601

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Comments

Beth says
December 30, 2014 at 6:55 am

I bet you had to work quickly during this shoot, working with ice.. unless, it is fake ice?!!! :)
Reply
- Meg says
  December 30, 2014 at 6:57 am
  
  Its rock candy!!
  Reply
Lynn @ Order in the Kitchen says
December 30, 2014 at 8:47 am

GIRL! These are stunning!!! I love learning the secret to a really good one since I'm so used to the ones that are FAR too sweet! I will definitely be giving this one a try!! Happy New Year!
Reply
- Meg says
  December 30, 2014 at 10:07 am
  
  Why thank you pretty lady! And yes! That is why I love making them myself...you can control the sweetness ;)
  Reply
  - Gary says
    July 3, 2021 at 4:42 pm
    
    No fresh lemon juice on hand and I don't do sugar so I am taking some liberties here.VodkaLemon juiceLemon Lime sparkling waterMonk juice
    Reply
Anna says
December 30, 2014 at 8:58 am

These look awesome and so pretty!!!
Reply
- Meg says
  December 30, 2014 at 10:06 am
  
  Why thank you!!
  Reply
Danae @ Recipe Runner says
December 30, 2014 at 10:17 am
See Also
Black Russian co*cktail Recipe 28 Fizzy co*cktails That Will Tingle Your Taste Buds! | DineWithDrinks 13 Best co*cktail Recipes - Career Girl Meets...The best gin for a gin and tonic: Eight to try - Decanter

This is my kind of drink! I love your tips too, I have no idea how people use bottled lemon juice. And good vodka...so important with a dangerously delicious drink like this, I know I'd be having more than one!
Reply
- Meg says
  December 30, 2014 at 11:55 am
  
  Great minds think alike I guess! Thanks Danae!
  Reply
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads says
December 30, 2014 at 12:23 pm

I could drink about one or five of these! Looks delicious and gorgeous pics too!
Reply
- Meg says
  December 30, 2014 at 12:27 pm
  
  I will be right there with you! Thanks Sheena!
  Reply
Rachel Cooks says
December 30, 2014 at 2:27 pm

Okay first of all, the lemon drop martini is my go-to. This version looks phenomenal! I need to get my husband to "shake me up a lemon drop martini" habitually like your dad does for your mom. Gorgeous photos!
Reply
- Meg says
  December 30, 2014 at 4:31 pm
  
  Oh I knew I liked you ;) And I agree! Or when we get together in 2015 we can shake some of these up!
  Reply
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats says
December 30, 2014 at 6:02 pm

Wow! Now this is the way to ring in the New Year!
Reply
- Meg says
  December 31, 2014 at 7:26 am
  
  I agree....perfect way! Thank Julie!
  Reply
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says
December 30, 2014 at 7:08 pm

What a fun drink! I love the lemon yellow color and your photos! Happy New Year!!
Reply
- Meg says
  December 31, 2014 at 7:26 am
  
  Oh thank you so much Kristine! It definitely is tasty!
  Reply
Kelley @ Chef Savvy says
December 30, 2014 at 7:31 pm

I need this martini like right now! Looks amazing!
Reply
- Meg says
  December 31, 2014 at 7:25 am
  
  I agree! Thanks Kelley!
  Reply
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog says
December 30, 2014 at 8:11 pm

I need one of these right now, I'm so not waiting for New Years lol!
Reply
- Meg says
  December 31, 2014 at 7:25 am
  
  I am with ya! Cheers, Sharon!
  Reply
Andi @ The Weary Chef says
December 31, 2014 at 9:16 am

What a beautiful drink, Meg! I love lemon drops, and the fizzy addition sounds so refreshing.
Reply
- Meg says
  December 31, 2014 at 4:37 pm
  
  I knew I liked you, Andi ;)
  Reply
Kelly @ Mostly Homemade Mom says
December 31, 2014 at 11:35 am

I've never had a lemon drop martini, this looks delicious!
Reply
- Meg says
  December 31, 2014 at 4:36 pm
  See Also
  The process of making Gin - On the Sauce Again
  
  Oh you need to change that! You will love it, Kelly!
  Reply
Cinnamon Flowers says
December 31, 2014 at 6:08 pm

I noticed lemon zest in one picture. But the recipe does not mention lemon zest. Do you put some in the drink? Looks amazing my faughter and I are excited to make these!
Reply
- Meg says
  January 1, 2015 at 11:51 am
  
  Oh yes I did! I did it more for looks but you can definintely add that to enhance the lemon flavor! I will update the recipe now. Thanks for catching that :) And I hope you girls enjoy it!
  Reply
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
January 1, 2015 at 3:04 pm

These are stunning, Meg - Pinned so I can drink them post-March!
Reply
- Meg says
  January 2, 2015 at 7:13 am
  
  Yes! March and you can kick your feet up with on!
  Reply
Kim says
January 2, 2015 at 4:13 pm

Ah this looks so yummy and refreshing! Bookmarking this for when I am no longer pregnant!!!
Reply
- Meg says
  January 2, 2015 at 6:41 pm
  
  Oh congrats!!! And yes perfect way to relax!
  Reply
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
January 8, 2015 at 2:02 pm

What a gorgeous drink! Pinning, because I really would love to try it!
Reply
- Meg says
  January 8, 2015 at 7:57 pm
  
  Oh thank you Michelle! Cheers!
  Reply
Allison Beattie says
July 3, 2015 at 10:40 pm

I'm a big fan of lemon drop martini's and yours looks wonderful! When you say a "pinch" of sugar, are you talking about 1/8 teaspoon, 1/4 teaspoon, or ?????? Everyone's "pinch" is different - lol. You also said top with sparkling water. How much? I don't want to overdo it or not put enough of something. Can't wait to make them!
Reply
- Meg says
  July 4, 2015 at 6:48 am
  
  Hi Allison! A pinch is really more to your liking. I don't like my lemon drops too sweet so I would go with 1/4 teaspoon. But if you like yours sweet, go with a teaspoon. It's really up to you! And topping with sparkling water is anywhere between 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup, depending on the size of you martini glass! Enjoy and Cheers!
  Reply
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
May 23, 2016 at 12:28 pm

I didn't have a very positive experience with lemon drop martinis a few years back... but I'd be willing to try them again :) Yours look fabulous!
Reply
- Meg says
  May 23, 2016 at 2:14 pm
  
  Oh no! Never fun memories! But hopefully these are better ;) Thanks Lori!
  Reply
Stephanie says
May 23, 2016 at 2:32 pm

Love lemon...love martinis. Got make me some :)
Reply
- Meg says
  May 24, 2016 at 8:21 am
  
  I am with you!! Thanks Stephanie!
  Reply
Cookin Canuck says
May 23, 2016 at 5:00 pm

Your lucky mum to have these mixed up for her by your dad! These look like the perfect summertime co*cktails.
Reply
- Meg says
  May 24, 2016 at 8:21 am
  
  Yes my Mom is a very lucky lady!! And summertime perfection for sure!!Thanks so much!
  Reply
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons says
May 23, 2016 at 5:49 pm

These photos are GORGEOUS! I would totally make these for girls night in! <3
Reply
- Meg says
  May 24, 2016 at 8:20 am
  
  Why thank you Jenn!! And I want to come to that girls night!
  Reply
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
May 23, 2016 at 7:50 pm

Girl you know how to make a co*cktail!! I want to sip on this all week long!
Reply
- Meg says
  May 24, 2016 at 8:16 am
  
  Why thank you, Erin!! And I will join you in enjoying these ;)
  Reply
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
May 23, 2016 at 9:45 pm

Looks like your dad taught you well! These look scrumptious, and I think they might go down a little too easily for me :) Love them - your photos are gorgeous!
Reply
- Meg says
  May 24, 2016 at 8:15 am
  
  Yes he did! And I am right there with you...too easy!! Thanks Patricia!
  Reply
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
June 8, 2016 at 5:19 pm

Wow!! This is going to be my summer drink! I also agree that fresh lemon is a must in all recipes.
Reply
- Meg says
  June 8, 2016 at 7:37 pm
  
  I hope you enjoy! Cheer ;)
  Reply
Fern says
June 14, 2016 at 6:00 pm

This sounds good. I make something similar, I muddle basil in the shaker 1st. Lemon Basil Martini. It's wonderful and refreshing.
Reply
- Meg says
  June 20, 2016 at 12:52 pm
  
  Oh that sounds SO tasty!
  Reply
Mary @ Quick Dinner Ideas says
October 25, 2017 at 10:25 pm

Want to try it now, perfect drink for summer days!
Reply
MEAl5 says
October 25, 2017 at 10:31 pm

Thank you! My boy love this recipe so much! He want I do it everyday :)
Reply
Betty says
January 5, 2018 at 3:40 pm

What do you recommend as a "good" vodka??
Reply
- Meg says
  January 6, 2018 at 2:35 pm
  
  I personally love Tito's Vodka! Or Grey Goose is good as well!
  Reply
PJP says
March 18, 2018 at 5:24 pm

I'm a little confused ... 'rim the glass with sugar' ?? I thought this was a keto co*cktail? Love the concept but rimming with sugar is not on my keto list.
Reply
- Meg says
  March 21, 2018 at 4:35 pm
  
  Hi there, I am not sure where it states that this recipe is keto. I am sorry if you landed here from someone mentioning it was. I don't follow the keto diet, nor any diet for that matter. But if the sugar bothers you, simply leave it out. Hope that helps!
  Reply
Tanya says
September 5, 2018 at 5:58 pm

This turned out great! Usually I don’t like the taste of lemon vodka but the fresh lemon juice really makes it tasty. I used plain sparkling water but can’t wait to try it with lemon. Thank you for the recipe.
Reply

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FAQs

What is in a Lemon Drop co*cktail? ›

ingredients

1 ¹⁄₂ ounces vodka.
¹⁄₂ ounce triple sec.
1 teaspoon superfine sugar.
³⁄₄ ounce fresh lemon juice.
4 -5 ice cubes.
superfine sugar, for the martini glass rim.
lemon twist.

Tell Me More ›

Why is a Lemon Drop a martini? ›

The drink got its name from lemon drop candies that have a similar sweet and sour flavor. The recipe quickly became popular in San Francisco and spread across the nation after that. Overtime, it became the norm to serve the drink in a martini glass with a sugared rim to balance out the sour lemon flavor.

Learn More Now ›

What are Lemon Drop shots made of? ›

Combine vodka and lemon juice in a shot glass. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon sugar on top. Place remaining 2 teaspoons sugar on a small plate; dip lemon wedges in sugar. Suck on a sugared lemon after drinking the shot.

Discover More ›

Can you add sparkling water to a martini? ›

Add lemon vodka, lemon juice, sugar, and sparkling water into a shaker, over ice and shake for 15 seconds. Pour into a glass with or without ice, and top up with extra sparkling water if required. Garnish with a lemon slice. Tip: add sugar to the rim for something a little sweeter.

Know More ›

What is a substitute for triple sec in Lemon Drop? ›

Lemon Drop martinis are pretty straightforward, in that they come together using just four ingredients that are shaken over ice and strained into a glass. Using Cointreau instead of Triple Sec will definitely enhance the drink but so will mixing up the other ingredients.

Keep Reading ›

Is Cointreau the same as triple sec? ›

While Grand Marnier and Cointreau are brand names of specific products, Triple Sec is actually a category in and of itself. Many brands make Triple Sec — in fact, Cointreau itself is a triple sec. The alcohol content in different types of Triple Sec vary quite a bit – from about 15 percent to as much as 40 percent.

See Details ›

Why do bartenders hate lemon drop shots? ›

Lemon Drop

For those working the line, it's just another on a long list of drinks bartenders hate to make. Turns out, the sugar. . . ain't so sweet. The issue with a sugar-rimmed glass is the mess and the stickiness.

View Details ›

Why is a dirty martini called that? ›

DIRTY. For those who like their co*cktails to have a savoury edge, the Dirty Martini is a delicious, slightly salty, choice. The term 'dirty' means that olive brine, usually from a jar of co*cktail olives, has been added to the drink.

Discover More ›

What do you call a martini with lemon? ›

Stirred: a martini that is chilled in a co*cktail glass with ice, then strained into a separate glass. On the rocks: a martini that is served in a rocks glass with ice cubes. With a twist: a martini served with a twist of lemon peel.

Read On ›

What alcohol gets you drunk the fastest? ›

Highly concentrated beverages, like vodka and gin, are absorbed faster by your body. It also absorbs fizzy and bubbly drinks, like champagne or soda mixes, quicker than other drinks. How fast you drink: Chugging rather than sipping will increase your BAC faster and cause you to feel drunker.

Get More Info ›

What is the easiest shot to drink? ›

Kamikaze. The kamikaze has long been a favorite shot and it's incredibly easy to mix. You'll simply shake vodka, orange liqueur, and lime juice together. It has a great tart taste that will make you pucker.

View Details ›

Can you order a lemon drop shot at a bar? ›

The Lemon Drop. This very common co*cktail can come as a shot or in a martini glass. It's a combination of vodka (commonly citron-flavored), fresh-squeezed lemon juice and sugar that threatens to leave you with a hangover. People love Lemon Drops because they're fruity, sweet and often come in a glass rimmed with sugar.

See Details ›

What are the three types of martini? ›

There are three main types of Martini: wet, dry and perfect. Vermouth is a fortified wine flavoured with botanicals, and it makes a Martini either sweet or dry, depending how much vermouth is used in the recipe. Wet means the drink is sweeter, so the ratio is normally 3:1.

What is the best vermouth for a martini? ›

Best Overall: Dolin Dry Vermouth de Chambery

“It's a default vermouth without overthinking,” says Doug Heiar, bar director at Momed Atwater Village in Los Angeles.

Does the shot of prosecco go in the martini? ›

“l*ttle do people know, the Prosecco shot should actually be sipped before drinking the p*rnstar Martini, to cleanse the palate before enjoying the co*cktail. “If you've been shotting the Prosecco before, after, or even pouring it in – you're doing it wrong.

Explore More ›

What are the ingredients in Lemon Drop vape juice? ›

Ingredients: USP Vegetable Glycerin, USP propylene Glycol, Natural and/or artificial Food grade flavouring, Nicotine, May contain traces of nuts.

Tell Me More ›

Can you order a Lemon Drop shot at a bar? ›

Learn More ›

What is a Lemon Drop considered? ›

It's Not a Martini—It's a Crusta

You'll often see the Lemon Drop deemed a Martini, but the common choice of glassware is really the only thing Martini-like about it. “At its base, the co*cktail is simply a Vodka Crusta,” says Portland, Oregon, bartender Nathan Elliott.

Discover More ›

Is a Lemon Drop strong? ›

One of the primary ingredients in the Lemon Drop co*cktail is vodka. It is a strong drink that will lend a lot of heat and flavour. It contains 40% alcohol by volume and 43 calories per 20ml of vodka.

Discover More ›

Sparkling Lemon Drop Martini (2024)

This Sparkling Lemon Drop Martini is much more than a shake and a stir! Fresh lemon juice, vodka, and topped with sparkling water make this drink tart, sweet, and easy to drink!

rules to make the best lemon drop martini recipe

ingredients you’ll need to make this sparkling lemon drop martini

how to make the best lemon drop martini

Can you prepare this lemon drop martini recipe ahead of time?

Can you prepare a big batch of this lemon drop martini recipe?

more easy co*cktail recipes:

Champagne Margarita

Coconut Margarita

Blueberry Mojito

all healthy drink recipes here!

Megan

Click Here for Nutritional Information

If you make this recipe, make sure tosnap a photo and hashtag it#WITHSALTANDWIT. I’d love to see what you are cooking up in your kitchen!

Interested in easy recipes with meal prep tips?

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FAQs

What is in a Lemon Drop co*cktail? ›

What is the easiest shot to drink? ›