Learn how to make an easy Lemon Drop Martini with Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka, fresh lemon juice, Triple Sec, and simple syrup.

This classic vodka cocktail is bright, refreshing, and perfect for happy hour or entertaining.

This Lemon Drop Martini with just four ingredients is simple and affordable!

If you love a bright, citrusy cocktail easy to make at home, this martini is the one you’ll want to make again and again.

It’s made with Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka, Triple Sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.

Whether you’re hosting a happy hour, planning a girls’ night, or just want a simple vodka cocktail that feels a little fancy without the extra work, this easy Lemon Drop Martini comes together in just a few minutes with a handful of ingredients.

What You Will Need:

Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka. A clean, smooth vodka gives this martini its classic base without overpowering the citrus flavors. Tip: Chill the vodka beforehand for a crisp cocktail.

Triple Sec. Adds a light orange-citrus flavor and beautifully balances the fresh lemon juice. Any quality triple sec works well here.

Fresh Lemon Juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for the bright, tart flavor that makes this martini so refreshing.

Simple Syrup. Helps balance the tartness from the lemon juice. You can adjust the amount slightly depending on how sweet you like your cocktails.

Lemon Wheel.A simple garnish that gives the cocktail a polished finish. You can also add a sugared rim for a classic lemon drop presentation.

How To Make A Lemon Drop Martini

Ingredients:

1 oz Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
1 oz Triple Sec
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz simple syrup
Garnish with a lemon wheel

Directions:

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add the Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka, Triple Sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 20–30 seconds until the cocktail is chilled.
Strain into a chilled martini glass or coupe glass.
Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel and serve immediately.

Optional: For a classic lemon drop finish, run a lemon wedge around the rim of the glass and dip it into sugar before pouring the cocktail.

Can I make this for a crowd?

Serves: 8–10

Ingredients:

2 cups Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
2 cups Triple Sec
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups simple syrup
4 cups ice (for chilling before serving)
Lemon wheels and fresh lemons for garnish

Optional: sugar for the rims of the glasses

Directions:

In a large pitcher or drink dispenser, combine the Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka, Triple Sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir thoroughly until combined.
Place the batch cocktail in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours to chill. Right before serving, add ice to the pitcher or shake individual servings with ice for a colder, smoother cocktail.
Optional: prepare the glasses with a sugared rim by rubbing a lemon wedge around each rim and dipping the rims into granulated sugar.
Pour into chilled martini glasses or coupe glasses and garnish each cocktail with a lemon wheel.

Hosting Tip:

Want to make this feel extra special?

Create a small Lemon Drop Martini station with sugared rims, sliced lemons, cocktail napkins, and chilled glasses so guests can serve themselves.

It gives instant “host with the most” energy without extra work.

Should a Lemon Drop Martini be shaken or stirred?

A Lemon Drop Martini should always be shaken.

Shaking helps chill the cocktail quickly while blending the citrus juice, vodka, and simple syrup for a smooth finish.

Can I make this martini in advance?

Yes. You can mix the vodka, Triple Sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours.

Shake with ice right before serving for the best flavor and texture.

The best vodka to use:

A smooth vodka like Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka pairs well with fresh citrus flavors without overpowering the drink.

How do you make a sugared rim?

Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of the martini glass, then dip the rim into granulated sugar until coated.

Type of glassware to use:

A Lemon Drop Martini is served in a martini glass or coupe glass.

Enjoy its smooth, clean taste in any cocktail!

This recipe is adapted from Smirnoff’s website.

Enjoy and drink responsibly.

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