This Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini is the kind of cocktail that feels like a special occasion in a glass. With the sweet-tart balance of juicy strawberries and bright lemon, this drink is as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just want to celebrate the end of a long week, this dazzling martini is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of fresh fruit, a sugared rim, and the sparkle of lemon vodka makes every sip an instant mood-lifter. It’s pure sunshine, shaken and poured!

Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini relies on fresh, simple ingredients. Each one in this recipe brings a punch of flavor and color, creating a drink that tastes as amazing as it looks. Let’s look at what you’ll need, and why it matters!

Fresh Strawberries: Sweet, ripe strawberries give this martini its gorgeous pink hue and vibrant berry flavor.
Water: Just a splash blends the strawberries smoothly for a lush, pourable puree.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice keeps the drink bright and balances the sweetness with a zesty kick.
Simple Syrup: Adds a silky sweetness, smoothing out the lemon’s tang without overpowering the berries.
Lemon Vodka: Infuses an extra layer of citrusy charm that sets this martini apart from your average cocktail.
Granulated Sugar (for garnish): The classic sugared rim complements the tartness and makes every sip feel festive.

How to Make Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini

Step 1: Prep the Strawberry Puree

Start by washing and hulling your strawberries. Place them in a blender with 1 ounce of water, then blend until the mixture is silky-smooth. To ensure your Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini is velvety, pour the puree through a mesh sieve into a small bowl. Use a spoon to gently press and stir the mixture, extracting all that vivid flavor and color. Set the finished puree aside—you’re about to take your cocktail to the next level!

Step 2: Build the Martini

Now comes the fun! Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice to keep things perfectly chilled. Pour in 3 ounces of the strawberry puree you just made, then add the lemon juice, simple syrup, and the punchy lemon vodka. Pop on the shaker’s lid and shake vigorously. You’ll know it’s ready when the outside of the shaker turns frosty and cold to the touch—giving your martini that crisp, refreshing edge.

Step 3: Sugar the Rim

For an iconic Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini presentation, run a juicy lemon wedge around the rim of each martini glass. Next, pour granulated sugar onto a shallow plate or bowl. Dip the glasses upside down, twisting them lightly in the sugar to coat the rim. This step not only looks gorgeous, it adds a sweet sparkle to every sip!

Step 4: Pour and Garnish

Carefully strain your frosty martini into each glass, letting that pink perfection catch the light. For a finishing touch, garnish with a fresh strawberry and a lemon wedge on the rim. This extra bit of flair elevates the whole experience, turning your homemade Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini into something you’d expect from a top-shelf cocktail bar.

How to Serve Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini

Garnishes

The right garnish transforms this drink from tasty to truly memorable. I love adding a whole strawberry and a bright lemon wedge to the rim for a pop of color and a burst of aroma every time you sip. You can also toss in a sprig of mint or even a twist of lemon peel for an added fragrance and eye-catching flair. The sugared rim is non-negotiable—it makes every sip extra special!

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini with light, savory bites that let the cocktail’s flavors shine. Think delicate finger foods: goat cheese crostini, smoked salmon canapés, or a vibrant fruit and cheese platter. These nibbles balance the sweet-tart notes of the martini and keep guests coming back for more.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini in classic martini glasses for a traditional vibe, or try mini coupe glasses for elegant, party-ready servings. For a summer twist, freeze strawberry slices into ice cubes and pop them into each glass. If you want a craft-cocktail moment, serve with a tiny skewer of fresh berries across the rim. Visuals matter just as much as taste, so don’t be shy with the presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini (lucky you!), cover and store the unused portion in the refrigerator. The flavors will hold beautifully for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir before serving again, as the fresh puree may settle a bit. For longer storage, keep the strawberry puree and cocktail mix separate, then combine and shake just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Freezing

While the full martini isn’t ideal for freezing due to alcohol separation, the homemade strawberry puree freezes like a dream. Pour the leftover puree into an airtight container or even an ice cube tray. When you’re craving a quick Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini, just thaw a few cubes and you’re halfway there!

Reheating

Reheating isn’t necessary for this recipe—your martini is meant to be refreshingly cold! If you’d like, you can re-chill the base mixture in the fridge or over ice before shaking and serving. If the sugar rim has gotten sticky, simply re-dip your glass in fresh sugar for the ideal finish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well if fresh aren’t in season. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before blending for your Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini puree.

What can I use if I don’t have lemon vodka?

If lemon vodka isn’t on hand, regular vodka with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of limoncello makes a tasty substitute. The lemon flavor is key for that signature zing!

How do I make simple syrup at home?

Homemade simple syrup is easy: just combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heat until the sugar dissolves, and cool before using. You’ll have perfect sweetness for your Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini in minutes.

Can I make this Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini in advance for a party?

You can! Mix the strawberry puree, lemon juice, simple syrup, and vodka in a pitcher ahead of time, store it covered in the fridge, and shake individual servings with ice right before guests arrive. Don’t rim the glasses until the last minute for best results.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?

Yes, simply omit the vodka and add extra lemon juice or use a lemon sparkling water for fizz. You’ll get all the wonderful berry-lemon flavors in a family-friendly, alcohol-free mocktail.

Final Thoughts

However you serve it, the Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini is guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. I can never resist its vibrant color, fresh flavors, and irresistible sugared rim. Give it a try, experiment with your favorite garnishes, and enjoy a little burst of summer in every glass!