The Strawberry Lemon Drop is a dazzling twist on the classic Lemon Drop Martini, merging the tart brightness of fresh lemon juice with the sweet and juicy flavor of ripe strawberries. It’s a cocktail that looks as good as it tastes, bringing a splash of vibrant pink to any gathering or solo evening wind-down. This drink is a showstopper, ideal for spring and summer soirées, brunches, girls’ night in, or even romantic date nights. With its balance of citrus and berry, the Strawberry Lemon Drop offers a beautifully refreshing taste experience that feels both familiar and new. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or someone looking to shake things up at home, this cocktail promises flavor, elegance, and a hint of playfulness in every sip.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Beautifully Balanced Flavors: The vibrant fusion of tart lemon juice and sweet strawberry syrup creates a refreshing cocktail that’s both citrusy and fruity in perfect harmony.
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Visually Captivating: With its stunning blush-pink color and sugar-rimmed glass, this Strawberry Lemon Drop is as photogenic as it is delicious—ideal for Instagram and parties alike.
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Quick and Effortless to Make: No mixology degree required—just shake, strain, and serve. It’s a simple strawberry vodka cocktail that anyone can master at home.
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Highly Customizable: Use fresh muddled strawberries for a naturally sweet twist, or keep it quick with strawberry syrup—either way, the results are delicious.
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Sure to Impress: Whether you’re mixing for one or serving a crowd, this drink delivers elegance and flavor in every glass. A true conversation starter!
Ingredients
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2 oz Vodka (choose a quality brand for smoothness)
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¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
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½ oz Strawberry Syrup (or muddled fresh strawberries with ½ oz simple syrup)
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½ oz Triple Sec (or any orange liqueur like Cointreau)
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Sugar (for rimming the glass)
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Fresh Strawberry or Lemon Slice (for garnish)
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Ice (for shaking)
Preparation (Step-by-Step)
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Prepare Your Glass
Begin by rimming your martini glass with sugar. Run a lemon wedge around the rim, then dip it into a shallow plate of granulated sugar to create that iconic sparkle. Set aside. -
Mix the Cocktail
In a cocktail shaker, combine:-
2 oz vodka
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¾ oz fresh lemon juice
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½ oz strawberry syrup (or 2–3 fresh strawberries muddled with ½ oz simple syrup)
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½ oz triple sec
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Shake with Ice
Add a generous scoop of ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels frosty. -
Strain into Glass
Double strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass to remove any pulp or seeds if you used fresh strawberries. -
Garnish & Serve
Garnish with a fresh strawberry on the rim or float a lemon slice in the center. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variation
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Frozen Strawberry Lemon Drop: Blend the ingredients with ice for a slushy version perfect for summer days.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili or jalapeño-infused vodka for a sweet and spicy twist.
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Sparkling Version: Top the drink with a splash of sparkling wine or club soda for some bubbly fun.
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Sugar-Free Option: Use monk fruit syrup or stevia-based simple syrup and skip the sugar rim for a low-carb version.
Cocktail Note
The beauty of the Strawberry Lemon Drop lies in its adaptability. You can make it with fresh seasonal strawberries for a more natural taste, or opt for high-quality strawberry syrup when berries aren’t available. The sugar rim not only adds a decorative element but also balances the lemony tang with sweetness from the first sip.
Serving Suggestions
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Best Served: In a chilled martini or coupe glass
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Occasions: Spring brunches, garden parties, Valentine’s Day, summer weddings, date nights
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Pair With: Light appetizers like goat cheese crostini, strawberry spinach salad, or lemon bars for dessert
Tips
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Chill your glass in the freezer beforehand for an extra-refreshing experience.
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Always use fresh lemon juice – bottled versions don’t offer the same brightness.
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If using fresh strawberries, strain well to avoid seeds and pulp.
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Want a deeper pink color? Add a drop of grenadine or a splash of cranberry juice.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 180
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Protein: 0g
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Sodium: 2mg
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Carbohydrates: 14g
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Sugar: 12g
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Fat: 0g
FAQs
Can I make this Strawberry Lemon Drop in advance?
Yes, you absolutely can! To prepare in advance, mix all the liquid ingredients—vodka, fresh lemon juice, strawberry syrup or muddled strawberries, and triple sec—together in a sealed container without adding ice. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to keep it fresh. When ready to serve, give it a good shake with ice in a cocktail shaker to chill and dilute the mixture properly, then strain into a sugar-rimmed martini glass and garnish. This is a great make-ahead option for parties or gatherings, so you’re not stuck behind the bar all evening.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries are a convenient and cost-effective option, especially when fresh strawberries are out of season. Just make sure to thaw them completely before using. Once thawed, you can muddle them with simple syrup for a fresh fruit twist or blend them into a purée for a smoother, consistent texture. Keep in mind that frozen strawberries may be slightly sweeter and juicier than fresh ones, which can enhance the flavor even more. Just strain the mixture if you prefer a pulp-free drink.
What vodka works best for this cocktail?
For the best taste and smooth finish, a clean, neutral vodka is your best bet. Look for brands known for their quality and smoothness, such as Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Absolut, or Grey Goose. These vodkas have a clean profile that lets the bright flavors of the strawberry and lemon shine through without overpowering them. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try a flavored vodka, like strawberry or citrus, to amplify the fruit-forward nature of the cocktail even further.
Can I make a pitcher of Strawberry Lemon Drop for a party?
Yes, and it’s a fantastic idea for entertaining! To make a large batch, simply multiply the recipe by the number of servings you need. Combine all the ingredients (excluding ice and club soda if you’re using it) in a large pitcher. Store the pitcher in the fridge until party time. Right before serving, either shake individual portions with ice or stir the entire pitcher with ice in a large mixing container to chill and dilute the cocktail evenly. Serve in sugar-rimmed glasses and garnish with fresh strawberries or lemon slices for that extra wow factor.
Is this drink too sweet?
Not at all! The beauty of the Strawberry Lemon Drop lies in its balance. The tartness from the fresh lemon juice cuts through the sweetness of the strawberry syrup and triple sec, creating a cocktail that’s refreshing and not cloying. If you find it a bit too sweet for your liking, you can easily reduce the amount of strawberry syrup or add a bit more lemon juice to adjust the tart-to-sweet ratio. It’s all about personal preference—taste as you go and find the perfect balance for you.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Lemon Drop isn’t just a cocktail—it’s a celebration in a glass. From its stunning blush-pink hue to its perfectly balanced blend of zesty lemon and luscious strawberry, this drink manages to be both playful and sophisticated. It’s the kind of cocktail that looks as amazing as it tastes, capturing attention instantly and delivering pure refreshment with every sip. Whether you’re gathering with friends, planning a romantic date night, or just indulging in a little self-care with a well-deserved evening treat, this martini-style concoction brings charm, cheer, and a little sparkle to any occasion. Easy to customize and even easier to love, it’s a must-have recipe in any cocktail lover’s collection. So go ahead—rim your glass with sugar, shake up those fresh ingredients, and pour yourself a moment of bliss. One sip, and you’ll know: the Strawberry Lemon Drop is pure sunshine in a martini glass.
Print
Strawberry Lemon Drop
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
-
2 oz Vodka (choose a quality brand for smoothness)
-
¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
-
½ oz Strawberry Syrup (or muddled fresh strawberries with ½ oz simple syrup)
-
½ oz Triple Sec (or any orange liqueur like Cointreau)
-
Sugar (for rimming the glass)
-
Fresh Strawberry or Lemon Slice (for garnish)
-
Ice (for shaking)
Instructions
-
Prepare Your Glass
Begin by rimming your martini glass with sugar. Run a lemon wedge around the rim, then dip it into a shallow plate of granulated sugar to create that iconic sparkle. Set aside. -
Mix the Cocktail
In a cocktail shaker, combine:-
2 oz vodka
-
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
-
½ oz strawberry syrup (or 2–3 fresh strawberries muddled with ½ oz simple syrup)
-
½ oz triple sec
-
-
Shake with Ice
Add a generous scoop of ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels frosty. -
Strain into Glass
Double strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass to remove any pulp or seeds if you used fresh strawberries. -
Garnish & Serve
Garnish with a fresh strawberry on the rim or float a lemon slice in the center. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
The beauty of the Strawberry Lemon Drop lies in its adaptability. You can make it with fresh seasonal strawberries for a more natural taste, or opt for high-quality strawberry syrup when berries aren’t available. The sugar rim not only adds a decorative element but also balances the lemony tang with sweetness from the first sip.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 0g