This Strawberry Lemon Drop Recipe is a vibrant twist on the classic lemon drop cocktail. It delivers a sweet-tart punch of flavor with juicy muddled strawberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vodka, and a touch of sweetness from simple syrup. It’s a beautifully balanced cocktail—bright, refreshing, and perfect for spring and summer sipping. With its rosy hue and sugar-rimmed glass, it’s as pretty as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, girls’ night, or just craving something fruity and citrusy, this cocktail hits the spot.
Ingredients
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2 oz vodka (citrus vodka works great)
-
1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
-
¾ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
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2–3 ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
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Ice cubes
-
Sugar (for rimming the glass)
-
Lemon twist or strawberry (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Rim your glass
Rub a lemon wedge around the edge of your martini or coupe glass. Dip the rim into a plate of sugar to coat. Set aside.
Step 2: Muddle the strawberries
In a cocktail shaker, add the sliced strawberries and muddle them well until juicy and broken down.
Step 3: Add liquid ingredients
To the shaker, add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz lemon juice, and ¾ oz simple syrup. Fill with ice.
Step 4: Shake until chilled
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is cold and the ingredients are fully mixed.
Step 5: Strain and serve
Double strain into your prepared glass to remove strawberry seeds and pulp. Use a fine mesh strainer for best results.
Step 6: Garnish
Garnish with a lemon twist or a fresh strawberry on the rim or skewer. Serve immediately.
Variation
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Strawberry Basil Lemon Drop: Muddle fresh basil along with strawberries for a herbal twist
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Frozen Lemon Drop: Blend ingredients with ice for a slushy-style cocktail
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Sparkling Version: Top with a splash of prosecco or soda water for fizz
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Spicy Strawberry Drop: Add a thin slice of jalapeño to the shaker for a kick
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Mocktail: Use lemon juice, muddled strawberries, and lemonade or sparkling water
Cooking Note
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Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best natural flavor—out-of-season berries can be too tart
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Fresh lemon juice is essential—bottled lemon juice won’t give the same brightness
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Adjust sweetness with more or less simple syrup depending on your personal taste and berry ripeness
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Chill your glass in advance for an extra-refreshing finish
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Double strain to ensure a smooth texture without strawberry seeds
Tips
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Use flavored vodka like lemon, strawberry, or vanilla for extra depth
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Store simple syrup in the fridge—it lasts up to 2 weeks and can be made ahead
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Serve with a sugar cube dipped in lemon juice on the rim for a dramatic garnish
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Use large ice cubes when shaking to reduce dilution
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Pair with light snacks like fruit skewers, cheese plates, or lemon cookies
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
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Calories: 160
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Protein: 0g
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Fat: 0g
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Carbohydrates: 12g
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Sugar: 10g
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Sodium: 2mg
Note: May vary depending on size of strawberries and sweetness of simple syrup
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes—thaw them first and pat dry to avoid watering down the drink.
What’s the best vodka to use?
Citrus vodka enhances the lemon flavor, but plain vodka works perfectly too.
Can I make a pitcher version?
Absolutely. Muddle a cup of strawberries, then multiply ingredients and mix in a pitcher with ice. Strain before serving.
Is this drink very sweet?
It’s balanced. Adjust simple syrup depending on your sweetness preference.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can mix the ingredients (without ice), store in the fridge, and shake with ice just before serving.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Lemon Drop Recipe brings a fresh, fruity upgrade to a cocktail classic. With juicy strawberries, tart lemon, and smooth vodka, it’s the kind of drink that’s easy to sip and hard to resist. It’s festive enough for special occasions and simple enough to enjoy on a sunny afternoon. Shake one up, add that sugared rim, and enjoy a sweet citrus kick that tastes like summer in a glass.
Print
Strawberry Lemon Drop Recipe
- Total Time: 5 min
Ingredients
Ingredients
-
2 oz vodka (citrus vodka works great)
-
1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
-
¾ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
-
2–3 ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
-
Ice cubes
-
Sugar (for rimming the glass)
-
Lemon twist or strawberry (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Rim your glass
Rub a lemon wedge around the edge of your martini or coupe glass. Dip the rim into a plate of sugar to coat. Set aside.
Step 2: Muddle the strawberries
In a cocktail shaker, add the sliced strawberries and muddle them well until juicy and broken down.
Step 3: Add liquid ingredients
To the shaker, add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz lemon juice, and ¾ oz simple syrup. Fill with ice.
Step 4: Shake until chilled
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is cold and the ingredients are fully mixed.
Step 5: Strain and serve
Double strain into your prepared glass to remove strawberry seeds and pulp. Use a fine mesh strainer for best results.
Step 6: Garnish
Garnish with a lemon twist or a fresh strawberry on the rim or skewer. Serve immediately.
Notes
-
Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best natural flavor—out-of-season berries can be too tart
-
Fresh lemon juice is essential—bottled lemon juice won’t give the same brightness
-
Adjust sweetness with more or less simple syrup depending on your personal taste and berry ripeness
-
Chill your glass in advance for an extra-refreshing finish
-
Double strain to ensure a smooth texture without strawberry seeds
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 0g