Lemon drop cocktails are the PERFECT cocktail for summer, or let's be honest, any time of the year. They are refreshing, tangy, light and super easy to make. This lemon drop recipe is a twist on the classic lemon drop martini. Served as a low ball over ice instead of in a martini glass, but they can absolutely be enjoyed as a martini as well.
If you love summery cocktails, then you have to try my grapefruit palomas and my bahama mama blended cocktails!
Food Pairing
Pair these lemon drop cocktails with these turkey lettuce wraps or these hawaiian sliders to make a perfect light summer meal.
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Ingredients
- light simple syrup
- vodka
- grand marnier
- lemon juice
- ice
- lemon slices and/or fresh rosemary, for garnish
See recipe card for quantities.
The Process
Into a low ball glass add a small handful of ice and set aside. (These low ball glasses are my favourite!)
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Add light simple syrup, vodka, grand marnier, lemon juice and a handful of ice to a cocktail shaker.
Cover and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds or until the liquid is ice cold.
Strain over ice into the prepared low ball glass. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a lemon slice, serve immediately.
Substitutions
- Grand Marnier - traditionally, lemon drop martinis are made using triple sec or cointreau. Grand marnier is a blend of cognac and orange liqueur. I find the cognac flavour in the grand marnier gives this cocktail a more developed and caramelized flavour. Triple sec or cointreau may be substituted for the grand marnier, if you prefer.
- Simple Syrup - Any simple syrup can be used for this recipe, however I find that light simple syrup will not overpower this cocktail keeping it light and lemony.
Multiplying the Recipe
I would only recommend making one or two lemon drop cocktails at a time. Increasing the volume will have an impact on shaking the cocktail and how chilled it becomes in the shaker. Luckily, it only takes about 2 minutes to prepare this cocktail, so making drinks for a crowd won't take long at all!
📖 Recipe
Lemon Drop Cocktails
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Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1.5 oz Light Simple Syrup
- 1 oz Vodka
- ¾ oz Grand Marnier
- ¾ oz Lemon Juice
- Ice
- Lemon Slices for garnish (optional)
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
To prepare the glass:
- In a low ball glass add a small handful of ice and set aside.
To prepare the cocktail:
- To a cocktail shaker add light simple syrup, vodka, grand marnier, lemon juice and a handful of ice. Place the lid on and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds.
- Strain over ice into the prepared low ball glass, garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a lemon slice (optional), serve immediately.
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Notes
- Any simple syrup can be used for this recipe, however I find that light simple syrup will not overpower this cocktail and keeps it light and lemony.
- These are my favourite low ball glasses.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator and it will vary based on the ingredients that you use.
Eddie says
This is by far one of the best drinks I have ever had, the perfect lemon hit with every sip. Amazing
Eddie says
This is by far one of the best drinks I have ever had, perfect amount of lemon with every sip. A must try, amazing.
Alan Jaggars says
I just made this and it is a nice little recipe. I made the simple syrup at half strength but for me, still a little too sweet. Next time I will probably cut the sugar a little more but to each his own. Play with it and find what works for you. I was looking for recipes to use up a bottle of Gran Marnier I had and this is definitely a nice little drink. I would increase the measurements just to make it a little larger serving but keep the ratio the same. Definitely not make at as a pitcher but enough for a rocks glass. Also, I chose to stir with a bar spoon instead of shaking and strained into a glass chilled with ice. 👍
Jessica says
We are happy that you liked the cocktail recipe! Thank you for leaving a review 🙂
terri christenson says
Very good cocktail. Having the ladies for a Lemon themed lunch. They will go Great. But, why would I have to sign up for "Whipped It Up" mailing list to be able to print your recipe ??