This Easy Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini is a refreshing drink that brightens up any occasion. With juicy strawberries and zesty lemon, it’s sweet and tangy all in one!
Shaking this drink is half the fun! I love to sip it while I pretend to be a fancy bartender. 🍓🍋 It’s easy enough to make at home for friends or just for me after a long week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: A good quality vodka is key since it serves as the base. If you prefer flavored vodka, a citrus-flavored one can add an extra twist!
Triple Sec: This orange liqueur enhances the flavor. If you don’t have triple sec, you can substitute with orange juice or another orange liqueur like Cointreau.
Lemon Juice: Fresh is best! Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but it lacks that zingy freshness. If you’re out of lemons, try using lime juice for a twist.
Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe strawberries for maximum flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, frozen berries can work too, just thaw and drain the excess juice.
Simple Syrup: Adjust this to your taste. You can easily make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat. If you’re cutting sugar, feel free to skip it or use honey instead.
How Do You Shake a Cocktail Properly?
Shaking your martini well helps blend all the ingredients and chill the drink perfectly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Fill your cocktail shaker about halfway with ice. This cools your drink quickly.
- Add your muddled strawberries and other ingredients. Secure the shaker lid tightly to avoid spills.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. You want it to be very cold.
Straining is just as important! Use a fine mesh strainer to catch any solids for a smooth finish. Enjoy your shaking!
Easy Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz triple sec (orange liqueur)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 4-5 fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Sugar, for rimming the glass
- Lemon slice and whole strawberry, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail will take you about 10-15 minutes to prepare! This includes the time to muddle strawberries and shake everything up for a refreshing drink that can serve as a perfect treat or party favorite!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Glass:
To get started, take a lemon wedge and run it along the rim of a martini glass. This will help the sugar stick. Next, dip the rim into a plate of sugar until it’s well-coated. Set the glass aside while you mix the drink.
2. Muddle the Strawberries:
Grab a cocktail shaker and place the hulled strawberries inside. Use a muddler (or the back of a spoon) to smash the strawberries until they break down and release their juicy goodness. This step is crucial for infusing flavor into your cocktail!
3. Mix It Up:
Now it’s time to add the fun ingredients! Pour the vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup into the shaker with the muddled strawberries. Add a handful of ice cubes to cool it down nicely.
4. Shake It Well:
Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You want it to be really cold and well-mixed, so give it a good shake!
5. Strain and Serve:
Now, it’s time to make it all pretty! Use a fine mesh strainer to strain the mixture into your prepared martini glass. This will catch any bits of strawberry or seeds, leaving you with a smooth drink.
6. Garnish Your Cocktail:
Finish off your cocktail by garnishing the rim with a lemon slice and placing a whole strawberry on the edge of the glass. This makes it look beautiful and adds a pop of color!
7. Cheers!
Enjoy your refreshing Easy Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini! Sip slowly and enjoy the blend of sweet strawberries and zesty lemon flavors!
FAQ for Easy Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Strawberries?
Absolutely! You can substitute strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if needed, as different fruits have varying levels of tartness.
Can I Make This Drink Without Alcohol?
Yes! For a non-alcoholic version, replace the vodka and triple sec with lemonade or a lemon-flavored sparkling water. You can still muddle the strawberries to keep the fruity flavor intact!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover cocktail, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a day. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh! If you prepare the ingredients in advance, just mix and serve right before drinking.
Can I Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time?
Sure! You can prepare the strawberry puree ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just give it a good shake before mixing. Prepare your rim with sugar in advance too, so you can assemble and serve quickly when you’re ready to enjoy!
