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Easy Lemon Drop cocktail recipe made with vodka, fresh lemon juice, triple sec, and sugar. Just mix all the ingredients together and your party is on!
Refreshing Lemon Drop
I’ve always loved a good Lemon Drop, but the ones at restaurants were usually too sweet or too sharp. One night, I decided to make my own using fresh lemon from my garden, stirred with plenty of ice, it turned out bright, cold, and perfectly balanced.
The rest is simple. Just vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, sugar, and ice. I like using Oak by Absolut for a subtle oaky depth that makes it feel special without being heavy. Mix everything up and you can get the party started!
It’s crowd-pleasing, perfect for parties or casual nights, and you can make it ahead and serve it whenever you want.
Different Types Of Lemon Drop Cocktail
Do you know that there is a difference between a martini and on the rocks? Yes, ask any of your friends who enjoy libations or hosting guests at home, and they will tell you that Lemon Drop is served mainly in two classic ways—the difference is in the presentation.
- Martini: Martini is served without the ice cubes, meaning the cocktail is shaken with ice in a cocktail shaker, strained (optional), and served in a chilled martini glass with a sugar rim. There is NO ICE in this rendition, so it has a stronger taste and no dilution from the ice. It’s for slow sipping and perfect for parties, when you go around and socialize with your guests.
- On the Rocks: Lemon Drop on the Rocks is served with ice cubes, like in the recipe I have shared here. It’s great for casual gatherings, especially in summer, with friends and family. The ice slightly dilutes the drink, making it less boozy and easy to enjoy.
For festive occasions such as New Year’s Eve, how you serve your Lemon Drop drinks depends on your personal preference and your guest list. If you are hosting a glammed-up party, go for martinis. If you are just hanging out with friends and want something refreshing, opt for on the rocks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Vodka
- Triple sec
- Lemon juice
- Sugar
- Lemon
Check out the recipe card at the bottom for the full ingredient details.
Pro Tip #1: Why I Use Oak By Absolut
I like using Oak by Absolut vodka because it has a smooth, slightly oaky flavor that adds depth to the cocktail without overpowering the lemon. It’s widely available at liquor stores and online, but you can use any vodka you like.
Pro Tip #2: Why Triple Sec Matters
Triple sec gives that bright, orange-citrus note that balances the tartness of the lemon juice. It’s essential for a perfectly balanced cocktail. I recommend using a quality brand like Cointreau or Combier. They are affordable, easy to find, and mix beautifully.
Pro Tip #3: Fresh Lemon Juice Is Key
Freshly squeezed lemon juice really elevates the cocktail. Bottled juice can be bitter or too sour, but fresh juice gives your drink a crisp, vibrant citrus flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled juice works, but fresh really makes it shine.
Pro Tip #4: Superfine Sugar For Smoothness
Superfine sugar dissolves easily, even in cold drinks, so your cocktail isn’t grainy. It also balances the tartness perfectly. If you don’t have superfine sugar, you can use regular granulated sugar, just make sure you stir the cocktail well.
How To Make Lemon Drop
Grab a pitcher and pour in the vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, sugar, and ice cubes. Give it a good stir so the sugar dissolves and everything chills nicely. Drop in the lemon slices and stir one more time to mix all the flavors together.
When you’re ready, just pour the cocktail into glasses and serve cold. Easy, refreshing, and perfect for sharing with friends!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can mix everything except the ice and lemon slices a few hours ahead. Keep it chilled in the fridge and add the ice and lemon right before serving for the freshest taste.
Cointreau or Combier are great, but other orange-flavored liqueurs will work too. Just pick something you enjoy sipping on its own for the best flavor.
Yes. This recipe scales easily. Just keep the same proportions of vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, sugar, and ice.
It’s balanced. You get the kick from the vodka, the sweetness from the sugar, and the citrus brightness from the lemon. Pour over ice to mellow it out a bit if you prefer a lighter drink.
The lemon slices are perfect, but you can also rim the glasses with sugar or add a twist of lemon peel for an extra festive touch.
This recipe has 449 calories per serving.
What To Serve With This Recipe
For a fantastic party, I recommend the following recipes:
I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
Other Cocktail Recipes You Might Like
Lemon Drop
Ingredients
- 2 cups vodka, such as Oak by Absolut
- ⅓ cup triple sec
- ½ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ cup superfine sugar
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- ice cubes, about 2-3 cups
Instructions
- Add the vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, sugar, and ice cubes into a pitcher. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is chilled.
- Pour the cocktail into glasses and serve cold.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I used the Triple Sec, but instead of regular sugar, I used Monk Fruit Sugar for fewer carbs. Tasted amazing. Wowed my cocktail-crazed friend.
Love this recipe! It’s so easy to make and the lemon drops are delicious!
Awesome thanks for trying my lemon drop recipe.
It’s Friday. Perfect day for a drink. Will be making it tonight. I like the name a lot.
LOL thanks Victor, yeah, great for the weekend! :)
Iam a diabetic can I try without sugar? Lemon and vodka should taste good.
Yes you can.
My Wife uses Sprite zero instead of Sugar… Gives it a great taste with a little extra pizzazz