The Cranberry Lemon Drop is a festive and sophisticated twist on the classic Lemon Drop Martini. Combining the tart brightness of lemon juice with the rich, slightly sweet depth of cranberry, this cocktail brings a stunning balance of flavor and visual appeal to your glass. With its jewel-toned hue and refreshing citrus zing, the Cranberry Lemon Drop is ideal for holidays, romantic evenings, summer brunches, or anytime you want to impress with a drink that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re shaking up cocktails for a special gathering or indulging in a solo wind-down moment, this vibrant concoction delivers a refreshing hit of fruity sharpness with a smooth vodka kick, rounded out by the orange notes of triple sec and the softness of simple syrup. It’s a drink that dances on your palate and delivers a striking aesthetic with its ruby color and sugar-rimmed elegance. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, light and bold, this cocktail is destined to become your next go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
The Cranberry Lemon Drop is a cocktail that brings more than just flavor—it’s an experience. First, the balance between the lemon’s tangy brightness and cranberry’s tart richness creates an incredibly refreshing profile. It’s not overly sweet or overpoweringly sour; instead, it walks that fine line that many citrus-based cocktails aim for but don’t always achieve. The addition of vodka provides a neutral, clean canvas that allows the cranberry and lemon to shine, while the triple sec (or Cointreau) brings in a hint of orange that rounds out the acidity with citrus depth. This is a cocktail you can serve to impress, thanks to its dazzling reddish-pink hue and the crystal sparkle of the sugared rim. It’s also extremely customizable—swap in citrus vodka for more zing, or adjust the sweetness with simple syrup to your taste. Whether you’re mixing up drinks for a holiday party, Valentine’s Day celebration, bridal shower, or just because it’s Tuesday, the Cranberry Lemon Drop brings sophistication and fun in equal measure.
Ingredients:
(For one serving)
-
2 oz vodka (plain or citrus-flavored)
-
1 oz fresh lemon juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
-
1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or 100% juice preferred for a more tart flavor)
-
0.75 oz triple sec or Cointreau
-
0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
-
Ice cubes
Garnish:
-
Sugar for the rim
-
Fresh cranberries or a lemon twist
Preparation:
Step 1:
Prepare your garnish. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled martini or coupe glass, then dip the rim into a plate of granulated sugar. Twist the glass gently to ensure the rim is evenly coated. Place the glass in the freezer or fridge to chill while you prepare the cocktail.
Step 2:
In a cocktail shaker, add plenty of ice cubes to ensure a cold and brisk shake. This helps dilute the drink ever so slightly, balancing the strong flavors.
Step 3:
Pour in 2 oz of vodka. You can use plain vodka for a cleaner flavor or opt for citrus vodka to enhance the lemon notes in the cocktail.
Step 4:
Add 1 oz of fresh lemon juice. Use a lemon press or juicer to extract the juice right before use for maximum freshness and vibrant flavor.
Step 5:
Next, add 1 oz of cranberry juice. Choose unsweetened cranberry juice if you prefer a sharper, more tart cocktail, or go for 100% cranberry juice without added sugars for depth and richness.
Step 6:
Add 0.75 oz of triple sec or Cointreau. This orange-flavored liqueur complements the cranberry and lemon beautifully with its citrusy sweetness and balances out the tartness.
Step 7:
Add 0.5 oz of simple syrup. Adjust this according to your taste preference—more if you prefer it sweeter, or less if you enjoy a tarter finish.
Step 8:
Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds. You want the shaker to become icy cold and slightly frosted.
Step 9:
Remove the chilled glass from the freezer. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass using a fine mesh strainer to ensure a silky-smooth pour with no pulp or ice shards.
Step 10:
Garnish with a few fresh cranberries floated on top, or a twist of lemon peel curled over the rim for an elegant touch.
Variation:
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Cranberry Orange Drop: Swap the vodka for orange-flavored vodka and increase the triple sec to 1 oz for an orange-forward version.
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Spiced Holiday Drop: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of spiced simple syrup for a holiday-inspired twist.
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Sparkling Cranberry Lemon Drop: Top with a splash of prosecco or sparkling water after shaking for a fizzy variation.
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Frozen Cranberry Lemon Drop: Blend all ingredients with crushed ice for a slushy-style drink perfect for summer.
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Mocktail Version: Omit vodka and triple sec, use a splash of orange juice in place, and mix cranberry, lemon, and simple syrup. Serve over ice with soda water for a non-alcoholic treat.
COCKTAIL Note:
The Cranberry Lemon Drop isn’t just a visual showstopper—it’s a carefully layered drink that makes the most of its bold ingredients. Using high-quality vodka and fresh citrus juice is key. If you can, squeeze your own lemon juice just before mixing—it makes a massive difference in freshness and aroma. The triple sec or Cointreau adds complexity, so choose a quality brand. And don’t skip the sugared rim—it’s not just decorative, it helps soften the first sip and offsets the tartness inside the glass. If you’re prepping for a party, you can scale this recipe and serve it in a chilled pitcher with sugared rims on individual glasses.
Serving Suggestions:
The Cranberry Lemon Drop is perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of elegance and color. Serve it at:
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Holiday parties for a jewel-toned signature cocktail
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Romantic evenings as a pre-dinner aperitif
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Summer brunches with a refreshing twist
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Girls’ night in with tapas or cheese platters
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Wedding showers or engagement parties as a festive, classy sipper
Pair it with light hors d’oeuvres, fruit and cheese platters, or desserts like lemon tarts, raspberry macarons, or white chocolate truffles.
Tips:
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Chill the glass ahead of time to keep the drink icy cold and refreshing.
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Use fresh lemon juice for the best tart flavor—avoid bottled juice if possible.
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Adjust sweetness based on your cranberry juice; if it’s already sweetened, reduce or skip the simple syrup.
-
Use quality spirits—with a cocktail this simple, every ingredient shines through.
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Garnish creatively with cranberries, citrus peels, or even rosemary sprigs for a wintery vibe.
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Shake thoroughly—a proper shake chills and dilutes the cocktail just enough to mellow and blend the bold citrus and cranberry notes.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving):
-
Calories: 185 kcal
-
Protein: 0g
-
Sodium: 3 mg
FAQs:
1. Can I make a large batch of Cranberry Lemon Drop for a party?
Yes! Just multiply all ingredients by the number of servings you need and mix in a large pitcher. Add ice and shake or stir just before serving.
2. Can I use sweetened cranberry juice?
You can, but you’ll want to reduce or eliminate the simple syrup to prevent the drink from becoming overly sweet.
3. Is this cocktail gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free vodka and triple sec brand, the cocktail remains gluten-free.
4. Can I make this drink ahead of time?
You can pre-mix the vodka, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and triple sec, then shake with ice and strain just before serving. Don’t add ice until you’re ready to serve to avoid dilution.
5. What if I don’t have triple sec or Cointreau?
You can substitute with another orange liqueur or even a splash of orange juice, though it will alter the complexity slightly.
Conclusion:
The Cranberry Lemon Drop cocktail is a stunning fusion of flavor, beauty, and refreshment that stands out no matter the season. With its gorgeous ruby-red color, zesty lemon kick, and the bold yet balanced blend of vodka, cranberry, and orange notes, this cocktail makes a lasting impression. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and fits seamlessly into both casual and elegant settings. Whether you’re raising a glass for a holiday toast, a sunny brunch, or just treating yourself to a vibrant and delicious drink, the Cranberry Lemon Drop will always deliver sparkle, sophistication, and a satisfying citrusy punch. One sip and you’ll see—it’s more than just a pretty cocktail. It’s a celebration in a glass.
Print
Cranberry Lemon Drop
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
(For one serving)
-
2 oz vodka (plain or citrus-flavored)
-
1 oz fresh lemon juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
-
1 oz cranberry juice (unsweetened or 100% juice preferred for a more tart flavor)
-
0.75 oz triple sec or Cointreau
-
0.5 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
-
Ice cubes
Garnish:
-
Sugar for the rim
-
Fresh cranberries or a lemon twist
Instructions
Step 1:
Prepare your garnish. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled martini or coupe glass, then dip the rim into a plate of granulated sugar. Twist the glass gently to ensure the rim is evenly coated. Place the glass in the freezer or fridge to chill while you prepare the cocktail.
Step 2:
In a cocktail shaker, add plenty of ice cubes to ensure a cold and brisk shake. This helps dilute the drink ever so slightly, balancing the strong flavors.
Step 3:
Pour in 2 oz of vodka. You can use plain vodka for a cleaner flavor or opt for citrus vodka to enhance the lemon notes in the cocktail.
Step 4:
Add 1 oz of fresh lemon juice. Use a lemon press or juicer to extract the juice right before use for maximum freshness and vibrant flavor.
Step 5:
Next, add 1 oz of cranberry juice. Choose unsweetened cranberry juice if you prefer a sharper, more tart cocktail, or go for 100% cranberry juice without added sugars for depth and richness.
Step 6:
Add 0.75 oz of triple sec or Cointreau. This orange-flavored liqueur complements the cranberry and lemon beautifully with its citrusy sweetness and balances out the tartness.
Step 7:
Add 0.5 oz of simple syrup. Adjust this according to your taste preference—more if you prefer it sweeter, or less if you enjoy a tarter finish.
Step 8:
Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds. You want the shaker to become icy cold and slightly frosted.
Step 9:
Remove the chilled glass from the freezer. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass using a fine mesh strainer to ensure a silky-smooth pour with no pulp or ice shards.
Step 10:
Garnish with a few fresh cranberries floated on top, or a twist of lemon peel curled over the rim for an elegant touch.
Notes
The Cranberry Lemon Drop isn’t just a visual showstopper—it’s a carefully layered drink that makes the most of its bold ingredients. Using high-quality vodka and fresh citrus juice is key. If you can, squeeze your own lemon juice just before mixing—it makes a massive difference in freshness and aroma. The triple sec or Cointreau adds complexity, so choose a quality brand. And don’t skip the sugared rim—it’s not just decorative, it helps soften the first sip and offsets the tartness inside the glass. If you’re prepping for a party, you can scale this recipe and serve it in a chilled pitcher with sugared rims on individual glasses.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 185 kcal
- Sodium: 3mg
- Protein: 0g