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Lemon Drop Martini
Posted: July 17, 2026
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About
The Lemon Drop Martini is a bright, citrusy 1970s creation by Norman Jay Hobday of Henry Africa's bar in San Francisco that became a defining drink of the 1990s cocktail scene. Built on vodka with triple sec and fresh lemon juice, it's sweet-tart and served in a sugar-rimmed martini glass for maximum visual impact. While more approachable than a classic gin Martini, it's far more interesting than its sugary reputation suggests — especially when made with fresh lemon juice, which transforms it from ordinary to genuinely excellent.
Instructions
- Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled coupe or martini glass and dip in sugar to coat.
- Combine vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until well chilled.
- Fine-strain into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel on the rim.