This Easy Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini is a refreshing mix of sweet strawberries and zesty lemon. It’s perfect for sipping on warm days or celebrating with friends!
Honestly, it feels like summer in a glass. I love to garnish it with a slice of lemon. It makes me feel fancy, and who doesn’t love that? 🍓🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: These are the star of the drink! Look for ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. If strawberries aren’t available, raspberries can make a great substitute.
Vodka: I recommend using citrus-flavored vodka to enhance the drink’s fresh taste. If you only have plain vodka, that works too—just add a bit more lemon juice for brightness.
Triple Sec: This orange liqueur adds sweetness. If you want a lower-calorie option, you can use orange soda or simply skip it and use a little extra simple syrup.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled one. It really boosts the flavor. You could also substitute with lime juice for a different twist!
Simple Syrup: You can easily make this by dissolving equal parts sugar and water. If you’re looking to keep it lower sugar, try a sugar-free sweetener instead.
How Do You Get the Perfect Rim on Your Glass?
Rimming your glass with sugar gives your martini an extra pop of sweetness. It’s also a nice touch for presentation. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by running a lemon wedge around the rim of your martini glass to moisten it.
- On a small plate, sprinkle a layer of sugar.
- Carefully dip the rim of the glass into the sugar, rotating to coat evenly.
Let it sit for a minute before pouring in the drink so the sugar adheres well. This step is great for enhancing both flavor and looks! Enjoy your fancy martini! 🥂
Easy Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini
Ingredients:
- 4-5 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 oz vodka (preferably citrus-flavored)
- 1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Sugar (for rimming the glass)
- Lemon slices and whole strawberries for garnish
Time Needed:
This delightful martini takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in. Let’s get shaking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Glass:
Start by rimming your martini glass! To do this, take a lemon wedge and run it along the rim of the glass. Then, dip the rim into some sugar on a small plate to coat it. This sugary rim adds a sweet touch to every sip!
2. Muddle the Strawberries:
In a cocktail shaker, place the sliced fresh strawberries. Using a muddler (or the back of a spoon), gently press down to mash them up and release their sweet juices. This will give your martini a fruity flavor.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Next, add the vodka, triple sec, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and a handful of ice cubes to the shaker. These ingredients will create a deliciously zesty flavor!
4. Shake it Up:
Secure the lid on your shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This will chill and mix all the ingredients together nicely.
5. Strain and Serve:
Now it’s time to pour your creation! Use a strainer to carefully pour the mixture into your prepared martini glass. Watch as the vibrant color flows into the glass!
6. Garnish:
Finish it off by garnishing with a lemon slice and a whole strawberry perched on the rim. It looks so pretty and inviting!
7. Enjoy:
Serve immediately and savor this bright and refreshing Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini! Cheers!
FAQ for Easy Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available! Just let them thaw a bit before muddling to release their juices. You may want to reduce the amount of simple syrup since frozen strawberries can be sweeter.
What if I Don’t Have Triple Sec?
No problem! If you don’t have triple sec, you can substitute it with another orange liqueur, like Cointreau or Grand Marnier. Alternatively, just add a splash of orange juice for flavor—though it will be less sweet.
Can I Make This Martini Without Alcohol?
Absolutely! To create a non-alcoholic version, skip the vodka and triple sec. Instead, mix muddled strawberries and lemon juice with sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing mocktail.
How Should I Store Leftover Martini Ingredients?
It’s best to mix the martini fresh for the best taste, but you can store leftover ingredients separately. Keep leftover strawberries in the fridge for a couple of days, and store lemon juice and simple syrup in airtight containers for up to a week.
