Name: Blackberry Lemon Drop
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 7 min
Ingredients: 2 oz vodka 🥃; 1 oz fresh blackberry purée or muddled blackberries 🖤; 1 oz lemon juice 🍋 (freshly squeezed for best results); ½ oz triple sec 🍊 (orange-flavored liqueur); ½ oz simple syrup 🍯 (adjust to taste); Ice cubes 🧊; Sugar rim ✨; Fresh blackberry 🖤 for garnish

A cocktail doesn’t always have to be complicated to leave a lasting impression, and the Drop cocktail is proof. This sleek, modern blackberry and lemon-infused creation is a refreshing fusion of bold berry richness, bright citrus tang, and smooth vodka undertones. The Drop is more than just a drink—it’s a mood in a glass. With its deep purple hue, sugary rim, and fresh blackberry garnish, it’s both seductive and approachable. Whether you’re looking to elevate your happy hour or impress guests at your next gathering, this drink is equal parts style and substance.

Ideal for late-night soirées, summer garden parties, or simply when you want to treat yourself, the Drop serves up fruity finesse in every sip. It’s crafted using simple, accessible ingredients—vodka, blackberry, lemon juice, triple sec, and syrup—but the end result is anything but ordinary. The balance of sweet and tart, coupled with its luxurious color and silky mouthfeel, creates an unforgettable drinking experience. Get ready to shake up something sultry, refreshing, and beautifully bold.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something undeniably magnetic about the Drop cocktail, and once you take a sip, you’ll see why it’s destined to become a staple in your mixology repertoire:

Sophisticated Simplicity: This cocktail proves that elegance doesn’t require complexity. With a handful of everyday ingredients and no complicated techniques, it delivers big on flavor and looks—no rare liqueurs or bartending wizardry needed.
Berry Bliss: Bursting with the rich, juicy flavor of fresh blackberries, this drink offers a luxurious depth that’s both natural and visually stunning. The dark purple hue adds drama to any drink menu.
Tart Meets Sweet: The harmony of freshly squeezed lemon juice and smooth simple syrup creates a balanced flavor profile—bright, citrusy zing layered with subtle sweetness that dances across your palate.
Elegant Aesthetic: A sugar-rimmed glass, a deep purple pour, and a jewel-like blackberry garnish make this cocktail a visual masterpiece. It’s Instagram-ready and as stunning to serve as it is to sip.
Customizable & Creative: Want to put your twist on it? Add a few fresh herbs like mint or basil, try blueberries instead of blackberries, or experiment with a splash of elderflower or lavender liqueur for floral complexity.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving seasoned cocktail lovers or first-time drinkers, the Drop hits the sweet spot—it’s smooth, refreshing, and packed with flavor without being too strong or too sugary.
Seasonless Sensation: While the citrus and berry combo makes it ideal for spring and summer, the deep berry tones and sultry character also make it a cozy favorite for chilly nights or festive holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

2 oz vodka 🥃
1 oz fresh blackberry purée or muddled blackberries 🖤
1 oz lemon juice 🍋 (freshly squeezed for best results)
½ oz triple sec 🍊 (orange-flavored liqueur)
½ oz simple syrup 🍯 (adjust to taste)
Ice cubes 🧊
Sugar rim ✨
Fresh blackberry 🖤 for garnish

Preparation (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare Your Glass

Start by rimming your cocktail glass with sugar. Use a fresh lemon wedge to moisten the edge, then dip the rim into a shallow plate of granulated sugar until evenly coated. Set the glass aside to dry slightly while you mix your drink.

Step 2: Mix the Drink

In a cocktail shaker, combine:

2 oz vodka
1 oz fresh blackberry purée (or muddled blackberries)
1 oz lemon juice
½ oz triple sec
½ oz simple syrup
A handful of ice cubes

Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. The shaking helps chill the drink, emulsify the blackberry puree, and combine all the flavors into a seamless blend.

Step 3: Strain and Serve

Strain the mixture into your prepared glass over fresh ice. If you want a smoother finish, double-strain using a fine mesh sieve to catch seeds and pulp.

Step 4: Garnish

Top your drink with a single plump blackberry on a cocktail pick or gently placed on the ice. For a pop of color, you can also add a lemon twist or a sprig of fresh mint.

Step 5: Sip and Savor

Enjoy the burst of berry and citrus with each luxurious sip. The Drop is designed to be slowly savored and appreciated—not rushed.

Variation

Berry Switch-Up: Swap blackberries for raspberries or blueberries for a twist on the base flavor.
Herbal Infusion: Add a few basil leaves to the shaker for a subtle green note that enhances the fruit.
Mocktail Version: Replace vodka with sparkling water and triple sec with orange juice for a zero-proof option that still delivers on taste.
Spicy Edge: Add a thin slice of jalapeño to the shaker for a spicy blackberry lemonade cocktail vibe.
Bubbly Upgrade: Top with a splash of prosecco or sparkling wine for a festive flair.

Cocktail Note

The Drop may be a simple cocktail on the surface, but the elegance lies in the ingredients you choose. Always opt for ripe, juicy blackberries and freshly squeezed lemon juice to ensure the flavors shine. Using quality vodka and a balanced triple sec (like Cointreau) elevates the drink from casual to classy. The name “Drop” hints at the delicate, intentional flavor drops—each one building toward a crescendo of fruit and citrus. It’s moody, modern, and marvelously delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in a coupe glass for a sophisticated vibe or a rocks glass for casual flair.
Chill the glasses beforehand to enhance the experience.
Pair with dark chocolate truffles or goat cheese crostini for a gourmet happy hour.
Serve alongside a berry tart or lemon cake for a cohesive dessert theme.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, dinner parties, or girl’s night cocktails.

Tips

Freshness matters: Use fresh blackberries for the purée—frozen berries can be watery and lack the vibrant flavor.
Control sweetness: Start with less syrup and adjust to taste. The sweetness of your berries will vary by season.
Sugar rim tip: Try flavored sugar (like lemon zest-infused) to elevate the garnish even more.
Chill everything: Cold ingredients make a smoother, more enjoyable cocktail.
Double-strain for elegance: Keeps the texture clean and smooth, especially if you use muddled fruit instead of purée.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 7 minutes

Nutritional Information (Estimated per Serving):

Calories: 180
Carbohydrates: 14g
Sugars: 10g
Alcohol Content: ~15% ABV (varies with vodka brand)
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 2mg

FAQs

Can I make the blackberry purée ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the blackberry purée in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in small portions and thaw as needed—perfect for last-minute cocktail cravings.

What if I don’t have triple sec on hand?
No worries! Triple sec can be replaced with other orange liqueurs like Cointreau or Grand Marnier. If you’re avoiding alcohol or want a quick fix, a splash of orange juice with a touch of orange zest offers a similar citrusy lift.

Is this cocktail very sweet?
Not at all. The Drop is known for its balanced flavor—just the right harmony of tart lemon and rich blackberry, lightly sweetened by the simple syrup. If you prefer it more or less sweet, you can easily adjust the amount of syrup to taste.

Can I use store-bought blackberry juice instead of purée?
You can, but keep in mind that most commercial blackberry juices contain added sugar and lack the depth and texture of fresh blackberry purée or muddled berries. For the best flavor and color, go fresh if possible.

What’s the best vodka for the Drop cocktail?
Stick with a high-quality, clean, and neutral vodka to let the blackberry and lemon flavors shine. Brands like Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Grey Goose, or Ketel One are excellent choices that contribute to the drink’s smooth finish.

Is it possible to make this cocktail in bulk for a party?
Yes, the Drop scales beautifully for entertaining. Multiply the ingredients and shake in batches or stir in a large pitcher with ice. Just be sure to sugar-rim glasses in advance and garnish each one with a fresh blackberry for that signature look.

Conclusion

The Drop 🖤🍋🍸 cocktail is more than just a drink—it’s a captivating experience that delivers style, substance, and standout flavor in every single sip. From the moment you rim your glass with sugar to that final burst of tart blackberry and citrus, this cocktail hits all the right notes. It effortlessly blends the depth of ripe blackberries with the brightness of fresh lemon and the subtle complexity of orange liqueur, creating a flavor profile that is bold yet beautifully balanced. But it’s not just about taste—the Drop also dazzles visually with its deep jewel tones and elegant garnish, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your home bartending game, impress guests at a party, or simply unwind with a drink that feels both refreshing and luxurious, this cocktail delivers. It’s quick to shake up, easy to customize, and versatile enough to suit any season. Plus, it’s just the right combination of sweet, tart, and smooth to keep you coming back for more. So the next time you want to enjoy a cocktail that’s as memorable as it is mouthwatering, pour yourself a Drop—and let every sip leave a lasting impression.

Blackberry Lemon Drop

Author: Imili Johnson
Total Time: 7 minutes

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