Enjoy a fruity twist on a classic sweet and tart cocktail with this raspberry lemon drop. In fact, my version is a copycat of the Cheesecake Factory drink, so you can enjoy your favorite restaurant sip right at home! This martini is perfect for spring and summer occasions alike!
What is Raspberry Lemon Drop?
A raspberry lemon drop is a fruity twist on the classic lemon drop martini, featuring a balance of tart lemon, sweet raspberry, and smooth vodka.
The vodka base is combined with fresh lemon juice, raspberry liqueur or muddled raspberries, and simple syrup, served in a sugar-rimmed glass for the perfect flavor and a bright, citrusy finish!
The Cheesecake Factory’s raspberry lemon drop takes this cocktail up a notch by using raspberry-infused Tito’s vodka, and a mix of agave and simple syrup for a unique sweeter blend. Check out another dupe of one of their classic recipes with my Air Fryer Avocado Egg Rolls!
Of course, the novelty of making this drink recipe at home is that you can tweak it just to your liking, or use what you have on hand, and you’re still going to come out with a delicious cocktail!
Try a raspberry lemon drop cocktail for Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, or any other spring or summer occasion!
Quick + Easy Recipes
straight to your inbox
What’s in a Raspberry Lemon Drop?
- 2 ounces raspberry vodka
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- ¼ ounce agave syrup
- ¼ ounce water
- 3-4 fresh raspberries
Sugar Rim
- 1 lemon wedge
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar (amount approximate)
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheesecake Factory infuses Tito’s vodka with fresh raspberries (one 750ml bottle with 8 ounces or a half pint of raspberries, let sit for 24 hours). However, using raspberry flavored vodka like Stoli is a faster shortcut, or you can use 1 ½ ounces plain vodka and ½ ounce raspberry liqueur like Chambord for flavor
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice is best for flavor, but you can use bottled in a pinch (it’s just not as good). You could also use raspberry lemonade (but they you may want to omit extra sweetener)
- The agave syrup can be swapped for honey if preferred (though this will make it non-vegan)
- Many traditional lemon drops contain ½ ounce of triple sec which adds a little orange flavor. Cheesecake Factory does not use this, but feel free to add it to make your own variation! Another good choice is elderflower liqueur (like St Germain)
- Since I am not infusing raspberries into my vodka, I am adding a few fresh raspberries instead, to reinforce the flavor and add the missing color that infusion would give the vodka! If you do infuse, you can skip this (or add them as a nice garnish)!
How to Make a Cheesecake Factory Raspberry Lemon Drop
- Rim your martini glass by running the cut edge of a lemon wedge around the outside rim of the glass. Then, dip the wet edge into a plate or shallow bowl filled with granulated sugar, and turn until well coated
- In the bottom of a shaker, muddle the raspberries using a muddler or the blunt end of a wooden spoon. If you are using infused vodka, you can skip this step
- To a cocktail shaker (or similar), add the muddled raspberries, vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, agave syrup, and water, along with a handful of ice cubes
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, 15-20 seconds, then strain into your prepared martini glass. If you have muddled fresh fruit, you may want to use a fine mesh strainer to stop seeds from passing through into the final drink
- Garnish with a lemon slice or skewer of fresh raspberries if desired, and enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
A raspberry lemon drop pairs well with a variety of foods that balance its tart and sweet flavors. Here are some of my favorite perfect pairings:
Appetizers & Light Bites
- Bruschetta – The bright acidity of tomatoes and balsamic glaze enhances the citrusy notes of the drink
- Goat Cheese Crostini – The creamy, tangy goat cheese balances the sweet-tart flavors of the cocktail. My Peach Bruschetta with goat cheese is a great compliment (and peaches and raspberries are a perfect match)!
- Shrimp Cocktail – The fresh, chilled shrimp and zesty cocktail sauce contrast nicely with the raspberry and lemon. Try my Air Fryer Shrimp Cocktail with homemade cocktail sauce!
Main Dishes
- Grilled Chicken with Lemon Butter – The citrusy notes in both the dish and drink create a harmonious pairing. My Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Breasts are a quick weeknight option!
- Salmon with Raspberry Glaze – The raspberry in the cocktail enhances the sweet glaze on the fish!
- Lobster Ravioli – The rich, creamy filling pairs well with the refreshing, tart cocktail
Desserts
- Cheesecake (especially raspberry or lemon-flavored) – A natural match, as the drink complements the creamy texture and fruity topping!
- Lemon Bars – The citrus flavors mirror those in the cocktail for a bright, refreshing pairing. Try my Raspberry Lemonade Bars for the perfect compliment!
- Berry Tart – The mix of fresh berries and buttery crust works beautifully with the drink’s fruity notes
Recipe FAQs
Do Bartenders Hate Making Lemon Drops?
Lemon drops can be a bit tedious for bartenders because they require fresh lemon juice, proper shaking, and a sugared rim, which takes extra time compared to simpler mixed drinks.
However, experienced bartenders don’t necessarily hate making them—it depends on the bar’s pace and volume. At busy establishments, crafting multiple lemon drops in a night can slow service, especially if customers request them in shot form!
Can I Use Raspberry Liqueur in a Raspberry Lemon Drop?
Yes! Raspberry liqueur, such as Chambord or DeKuyper Razzmatazz, is a great way to enhance the berry flavor in a raspberry lemon drop. It adds depth and sweetness, complementing the tartness of the lemon juice.
It also allows the use of regular vodka as the base, since it will provide ample berry flavor. If using raspberry liqueur, you may want to adjust the simple syrup to avoid making the drink too sweet.
What Are Some Good Garnishes for a Raspberry Lemon Drop?
Popular garnishes for a raspberry lemon drop include a sugared rim, fresh raspberries, a lemon twist or lemon wheel, or a skewer of raspberries for an elegant touch.
You could also drizzle a bit of raspberry purée or syrup inside the glass for a fun look. A sprig of mint can add a fresh contrast to the cocktail’s tart and sweet flavors.
Recipe Tips For the Best Raspberry Lemon Drop
- If you don’t have a cocktail shaker you can use a mason jar with a lid or something similar!
- For a colder drink, chill your martini glasses in advance!
- To remove seeds and pulp use a fine mesh strainer and/or some cheesecloth to catch them as you pour the drink out for serving
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Glassware. Cheesecake Factory serves the raspberry lemon drop in a coupe glass. If you don’t have one, a martini glass is another classic choice, but you can use a white wine, margarita, or lowball glass as well!
- Feel free to scale this recipe for parties. You can mix everything together in a pitcher and store in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance. Add to individual rimmed glasses for serving
- Pineapple Lemon Drop
Final Thoughts
This raspberry lemon drop martini is a delicious fruity twist on the classic sweet and tart cocktail, and this version is just like the one found at the Cheesecake Factory!
It’s an easy vodka cocktail featuring prominent flavors of raspberry and lemon that’s sweet and sippable, with just the right amount of tartness. Whether you use raspberry syrup or fresh berries, this raspberry version of the traditional lemon drop is sure to please!
Serve one up for all sorts of spring or summer occasions when raspberries are fresh, like Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, bridal showers, and more! For more great flavors for all seasons, make sure to check out all of my Lemon Drop Martini Recipes!
Raspberry Lemon Drop (Cheesecake Factory Copycat)
Equipment
- Muddler (or blunt end of a spoon)
- Fine mesh strainer (optional but recommended)
- Shaker (or similar)
- Martini glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces raspberry vodka
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- ¼ ounce agave nectar
- ¼ ounce water
- 3-4 fresh raspberries
For the Sugar Rim
- 1 wedge fresh lemon
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Rim your martini glass by running the cut edge of a lemon wedge around the outside rim of the glass. Then, dip the wet edge into a plate or shallow bowl filled with granulated sugar, and turn until well coated1 wedge fresh lemon, 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- In the bottom of a shaker, muddle the raspberries using a muddler or the blunt end of a wooden spoon. If you are using infused vodka instead, you can skip this step3-4 fresh raspberries
- To a cocktail shaker (or similar), add the muddled raspberries, vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, agave syrup, and water, along with a handful of ice cubes2 ounces raspberry vodka, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, ½ ounce simple syrup, ¼ ounce agave nectar, ¼ ounce water
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, 15-20 seconds, then strain into your prepared martini glass. Pass through a fine mesh strainer as you pour to remove seeds and pulp from muddled fruit if desired
- Garnish if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- Cheesecake Factory infuses Tito’s vodka with fresh raspberries (one 750ml bottle with 8 ounces or a half pint of raspberries, let sit for 24 hours). However, using raspberry flavored vodka (like Stoli) is a faster shortcut, or you can use 1 ½ ounces plain vodka and ½ ounce raspberry liqueur like Chambord for flavor
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice is best for flavor, but you can use bottled if needed
- The agave syrup can be swapped for honey
- Traditional lemon drops contain ½ ounce of triple sec which adds a little orange flavor. Cheesecake Factory does not typically use this, but feel free to add it to make your own variation! Another good variation is elderflower liqueur
- Since I am not infusing raspberries into my vodka, I am adding a few fresh raspberries instead, to reinforce the flavor and add the missing color that infusion would give the vodka! If you do infuse, you can skip this (or add them as a garnish instead)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
