I love this strawberry lemon drop martini for summer, since it uses fresh fruit to make the drink sweet and refreshing! Of course, the pink color also makes it a hit for Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day, but I think it’s perfect for a backyard barbecue, beach day, picnic, or even poolside!
What is a Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini?
A strawberry lemon drop is a fruity and refreshing twist on the classic lemon drop martini, incorporating homemade strawberry syrup made with fresh strawberries for a naturally sweet and slightly tart flavor.
This strawberry lemon drop cocktail maintains the bright citrus notes of a traditional lemon drop while adding a layer of berry richness, giving it a summery flair and fun red-pink color.
Typically served in a sugar-rimmed martini glass, it strikes a perfect balance between sweet and sour, with a smooth vodka base that enhances the fresh fruit flavors.
The strawberry infusion gives the drink a beautiful pink hue, making it a popular choice as a summer cocktail, for sipping on the patio on a warm summer night, date nights, or other celebrations!
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Ingredients Needed
- 1 ½ ounces vodka (or strawberry-flavored vodka)
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
- ½ ounce triple sec (or another orange liqueur like Cointreau)
- ½ ounce simple syrup (or to taste)
- 3-4 fresh strawberries (stems removed)
Sugar Rim
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar (amount approximate)
- Fresh lemon wedge
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Regular or citrus (citron) vodka is fine (use your favorite vodka brand), but using a strawberry vodka (like Smirnoff) will add to the strawberry flavor of the drink overall! You can also substitute tequila if preferred
- Fresh lemon juice is truly best, but you can use the bottled stuff in a pinch (just don’t expect it to taste quite the same)
- Adjust the simple syrup amount based on personal tastes, and how sweet your berries are naturally (as it can vary a lot between berries)
- Instead of fresh strawberries, you could use about ½ ounce of strawberry flavored puree or strawberry syrup instead (but omit the extra simple syrup since this is usually sweeter)
Equipment Notes
To puree the strawberries for this drink, you’ll want a blender or food processor, and then a fine mesh sieve or strainer to remove any seeds and pulp.
For an even smoother drink, also run it through some cheesecloth to remove the finest particles, leaving you a transparent liquid.
If you don’t have this equipment available, muddle the berries in the bottom of a glass using a blunt spoon handle, fork, or similar tool until they express juices. This will give you chunks of fresh fruit (and some seeds) in your drink, but it will still be flavorful and delicious!
How to Make a Strawberry Lemon Drop
- Add the strawberries, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a food processor or blender. Blend on high until smooth, then pass the strawberry puree through a fine mesh strainer and/or cheesecloth to remove any pulp and seeds. Use a soft spatula to push the puree back and forth in the strainer until all the liquid passes through
- Rim your martini glass by running the cut side of a lemon wedge around the outside edge of the glass to wet it. Then, dip it into a plate or shallow bowl filled with the granulated sugar and turn to coat
- To a cocktail shaker (or similar) add the strawberry simple syrup mixture, triple sec, and vodka, along with a couple ice cubes
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, about 15-20 seconds, then strain into your prepared martini glasses
- Garnish with a slice of lemon or a fresh strawberry if desired, and enjoy!
- Pineapple Lemon Drop
Recipe FAQs
What Does a Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini Taste Like?
A strawberry lemon drop martini has a refreshing balance of sweet and tart flavors. The fresh strawberries add a natural fruitiness that complements the bright citrus notes from the lemon juice.
The vodka provides a smooth and crisp base, while the simple syrup enhances the sweetness without overpowering the drink. The result is a vibrant, slightly tangy cocktail with a bright berry undertone, making it both refreshing and indulgent.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used to make a strawberry lemon drop martini. If using frozen berries, allow them to thaw before muddling or blending to extract their juices properly.
You could also blend the entire cocktail instead of shaking, as frozen strawberries create a slushy-like consistency, perfect for warm weather.
Can I Make This Cocktail Without Alcohol?
Absolutely! A non-alcoholic mocktail version of a strawberry lemon drop martini can be just as delicious. Replace the vodka with sparkling water, lemonade, or a non-alcoholic spirit for a similar depth of flavor. Use a non-alcoholic triple sec or orange juice instead of the liqueur.
Fresh strawberries and lemon juice still provide the signature sweet and tart balance, and you can tailor sweetness with simple syrup. Garnishing with a sugared rim and a fresh strawberry makes the mocktail feel just as special as the original!
Is a Lemon Drop a Strong Drink?
Yes, a lemon drop is typically considered a strong cocktail because its base is vodka, which has an alcohol content around 40% ABV (alcohol by volume). However, the addition of lemon juice and simple syrup balances the strength, making it taste smoother and more approachable.
While it has a strong alcoholic foundation, the sweet and tangy flavors make it feel less intense than a straight martini or other spirit-forward cocktails.
Pro Tips For the Best Strawberry Lemon Drop
- If you don’t have a shaker, you can use a mason jar with a lid or something similar. Alternatively, use frozen strawberries and blend the entire drink for a frozen strawberry lemon drop variation!
- To keep your drink colder, feel free to chill your martini glass in advance!
Serving Suggestions and Garnishes
- Glassware. A martini glass is the most common choice, but you can also use a coupe white wine, or lowball glass of choice!
- Garnishes are optional (though I highly recommend the sugar rim). If you want to add a garnish, a lemon slice, a fresh strawberry, or a sprig of mint or basil are great options!
- This cocktail scales well for parties. Scale up for desired servings, and mix everything in a pitcher, then store in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance. Stir and pour into individual glasses for serving!
Final Thoughts
This strawberry lemon drop martini recipe is a perfect fruity twist on a sweet and tart classic lemon drop cocktail. The addition of fresh strawberries gives it a strawberry lemonade vibe that makes it one of my favorite cocktails for spring and summer alike!
The lovely pink red color is great for Valentine’s or Galentine’s, but you can also serve it for Easter, Mother’s Day, bridal showers, or any other get togethers where you want a refreshing cocktail that’s simple, fruity, and oh so tasty!
For more great sweet tart drinks like this delicious strawberry lemon drop, make sure to check out all of my Lemon Drop Martini Recipes to cover any season or occasion you want!
Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini (With Vodka)
Equipment
- Blender (or food processor)
- Fine mesh strainer (optional but recommended)
- Shaker (or similar)
- Martini glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces vodka (plain, citrus, or strawberry-flavored)
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
- ½ ounce triple sec (or another orange liqueur)
- ½ ounce simple syrup (or to taste)
- 4 medium fresh strawberries (stems removed)
For the Sugar Rim
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar (amount approximate)
- 1 wedge fresh lemon
Instructions
- Add the strawberries, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a food processor or blender. Blend on high until smooth, then pass the strawberry puree through a fine mesh strainer and/or cheesecloth to remove any pulp and seeds (optional but recommended). Use a soft spatula to push the puree back and forth in the strainer until all the liquid passes through1 ounce fresh lemon juice, ½ ounce simple syrup, 4 medium fresh strawberries
- Rim your martini glass by running the cut side of a lemon wedge around the outside edge of the glass to wet it. Then, dip it into a plate or shallow bowl filled with the granulated sugar and turn to coat1 wedge fresh lemon, 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- To a cocktail shaker (or similar) add the strawberry simple syrup mixture, triple sec, and vodka, along with a couple ice cubes1 ½ ounces vodka, ½ ounce triple sec
- Shake until well chilled and lightly frothy, about 15-20 seconds, then strain into your prepared martini glasses
- Garnish with a slice of lemon or a fresh strawberry if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can also substitute tequila instead of vodka if preferred
- Fresh lemon juice is best, but you can use the bottled stuff if necessary
- Adjust the simple syrup amount based on personal tastes, and how sweet your berries are
- Instead of fresh strawberries, you can use ½ ounce of strawberry puree or syrup instead (but omit the extra simple syrup since this is usually sweeter)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, size, and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
