The Best Lemon Drop Martini You’ll Ever Have…

The Discovery

One of these memorable gifts was given to me by two of my friends, Vicki and Kelly (sisters), who came to a surprise party that my husband threw for me when I became a US citizen, several years ago.

A few weeks prior, I had gone to my friend Vicki’s house after our sons’ baseball game, and she asked what I would like to drink. I agreed to a glass of wine, but another friend chose a lemon drop martini. Vicki made it using freshly picked lemons off her tree outside, and insisted I try a sip. All I can say is that I was so disappointed that I’d chosen to have wine! It was one of the best cocktails I’d ever tasted.

Love lemony cocktails? Discover a sgroppino!

It was perfectly “lemon-y” without being too sour, and the alcohol was almost indistinguishable. The sugar-rimmed glass was the crowning glory. I could totally understand why it was called a “Lemon Drop” martini because it actually gave the sensation of, and tasted like a lemon drop candy. Vicki ended up making me my own cocktail that night. So that was it: I was hooked.

The Gift

Vicki realized how much I loved the lemon drop martini, and must have suggested to her sister that they use it as a theme for my present. It was a lovely basket containing two elegant martini glasses, fresh lemons, a little bag of Baker’s Sugar (caster sugar in the UK) a bottle of Ketel One Citroen Vodka and this recipe card.

I still remember the colors of yellow and pink in the basket, standing out against the rest of the basket’s contents. It wasn’t opened for days as I just wanted to gaze at it.

I eventually did open it (I didn’t want the lemons to rot in that gorgeous basket). Although the bottle of vodka, sugar and lemons are long gone, I still have the glasses, recipe card, and most importantly, the memory of such a beautiful gift, lovingly prepared with so much thoughtfulness.

However, this was just the start of many more memories to come from that glorious gift.

The Ripple Effect

There were lemon drop martinis at Angela’s 1940s themed 40th Birthday Party, and as you can see, they were a huge hit!

My husband (on the computer screen) and my cousin with her husband of only one day, drinking Lemon Drop Martinis using the same lemons, Ketel One vodka, and same glasses. This took place on Skype between London and Los Angeles.

Barbecues with family in England, and Lemon Drop Martinis.

And many other “no reason for a Lemon Drop, but we’re having one anyway” occasions!

Thanks for the memories, Vicki and Kelly!

If you love martinis, try this pumpkin spice espresso martini recipe, too!

The Lemon Drop Recipe

Lemon drop martinis are now my signature cocktail, and I must say, they are absolutely top-notch when made with freshly picked Meyer lemons. I’ve tried other vodkas and spirits, but in this drink, nothing compares to Ketel One Citroen Vodka, so try to stay true to this recipe for the best results. You can put less sugar if you prefer; in fact, my cousin likes his with no sugar whatsoever! It’s much too sour for me this way, but he loves them. It’s important to use the fine Baker’s (caster) sugar because granulated sugar won’t melt completely.

You can also make virgin LDMs by omitting the vodka and using water instead, so it’s basically lemonade in a sugar-rimmed glass. However, children may have a kiddie version, and those not wanting to partake in drinking alcohol (e.g. designated drivers)* can also enjoy the “lemon-drop” experience.

NOTE: I’ve since made a frosty version of this cocktail, too! You can find it here.

Shake all ingredients together with ice in a martini shaker approximately 50 times.

Pour into sugar rimmed glass and enjoy!

You may also enjoy this version.

*Please don’t drink and drive! My neighbor’s nanny just lost her son (who was a husband, and father of two) to a drunk driver.

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