Summer’s Sweetest Sip: The Perfect Strawberry Lemon Drop 

A sweltering summer afternoon had me trapped in my tiny apartment, the air conditioning struggling to keep up. Scrolling through old photos on my phone, a nostalgic pang hit me. There, in a picture from my college days, I was grinning, holding a martini glass filled with a pale pink concoction. A memory, like a wave, washed over me – my first Lemon Drop. It was a gift from my roommate for my 21st birthday. The tart, refreshing taste was a revelation.

Now, my gaze fell upon a bowl of fresh strawberries on the kitchen counter, their vibrant red catching my eye. I love strawberries – and the idea of using them as an ingredient to sweeten the cocktail mixture sent excitement bubbling up inside me. I knew I could create something truly special, a fruity addition to the classic Lemon Drop. That was my “aha!” moment, the inspiration that led me to create my signature Strawberry Lemon Drop. The perfect blend of tart and sweet, it quickly became my go-to summer drink.

Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini

While the original Lemon Drop cocktail is known for its tangy, citrusy notes, I wanted to sweeten the mixture and have some fun with the recipe. My Strawberry Lemon Drop Shot recipe still has the bright citrus of lemon juice, but the sweetness comes from a strawberry simple syrup rather than just sugar. The kick of vodka rounds it out for the perfect martini, with a delicious, luscious flavor that’s hard to resist.

This refreshing mix of fresh strawberries, lemon juice, vodka, and a splash of Cointreau or triple sec has become my go-to spring/summer drink. The strawberry element is truly the key player in this cocktail recipe. After all, what’s a Strawberry Lemon Drop without the star ingredient? And let’s not forget the sugared rim – it’s what makes this a true lemon drop experience.

From personal experience, I recommend using only fresh ingredients for this cocktail. Muddling the fruit really helps infuse the flavor, making it 10x more intense than using store-bought juices. Trust me, fresh is always better than bottled lemon juice. The same goes for the strawberries – a homemade strawberry purée beats any bottle stuff hands down. 

READ: Lavender Martini

How to make Strawberry Lemon Drop with Vodka? 

For a full list of strawberry lemon drop ingredients, see the recipe card below the post.

• First, prepare your glasses with a sugared rim. I like to spread granulated sugar on a small plate, then wet the rim of the glasses with water or a lemon slice. Dip the rim in the sugar, or for a more even coating, try rubbing a lemon slice around the top of the cocktail glass then dipping it in a plate with 1-2 tbsp of sugar. Set aside your prepared glass while you mix the cocktail.
• In a small pitcher or large measuring cup, combine vodka, simple syrup, lemon juice, and strawberry purée. To make the puree, I blend fresh strawberries in a blender, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Don’t forget to squeeze some fresh lemon juice – it really makes a difference! 

• Add a splash of Cointreau or triple sec for depth. Whisk everything together, then add ice and stir. Alternatively, you can use a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously – I find this method creates a lovely froth.
• Finally, pour your cocktail into the prepared glasses. For the finishing touch, garnish with fresh lime, lemon, or strawberry slices. Now, it’s time to serve and enjoy! 

Variations

1. Omit the vodka and triple sec, replacing them with lemon-lime soda. This strawberry lemon drop mocktail creates a non-alcoholic alternative suitable for all ages.
2. To make a slushy version, use frozen strawberries instead of fresh strawberries. Create this slushy cocktail by combining all ingredients in a blender with ice and blend until smooth.
3. For a big batch of Strawberry Lemon Drop recipe, use a premade mix. Combine premade strawberry lemonade mix with vodka and triple sec. Omit the simple syrup, as the premade mix is usually sufficiently sweet.
4. When fresh strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries can be used. Allow them to thaw slightly before muddling to release their flavor. Frozen strawberry lemon drop is also so delicious!
5. Add herbs for an additional flavor dimension. A sprig of fresh mint or basil introduces an unexpected layer of freshness to the cocktail.

READ: Bloody Caesar Cocktail

When to Enjoy

The strawberry lemon drop martini with strawberry puree is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed on various occasions:

• Summer parties: Its refreshing nature makes it perfect for backyard barbecues, pool parties, or any outdoor gathering.
• Happy hour: It’s a fun and flavorful way to unwind after a long day.
• Brunch: Its sweetness pairs surprisingly well with savory brunch dishes.

No matter the occasion, the Strawberry Lemon Drop is sure to delight your taste buds and add a touch of summer fun to your glass. Cheers!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?

Yes, you can create a mocktail version by omitting the vodka and triple sec. Replace these with lemon-lime soda for a refreshing non-alcoholic alternative.

How long can I store premade Strawberry Lemon Drop mix? 

If refrigerated in an airtight container, a premade mix can last up to 3–4 days. However, for the best taste, it’s recommended to consume it within 24–48 hours.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones? 

Absolutely. Frozen strawberries work well, especially when fresh ones are out of season. Just thaw them slightly before muddling or blending.

What’s the best vodka to use for this cocktail? 

Any good quality vodka works well. Citrus-flavored vodkas can add an extra layer of flavor, but unflavored vodka allows the strawberry and lemon to shine.

How can I make this cocktail less sweet? 

Adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of simple syrup or using less sweet strawberries. You can also increase the lemon juice for more tartness.

Can I make a big batch for a party?

Yes, simply multiply the ingredients based on the number of servings needed. Mix everything except the ice in a pitcher, then shake or stir with ice just before serving.

What’s the best way to rim the glass? 

Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip it in sugar. For extra flavor, mix the sugar with a bit of lemon zest before rimming.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While the Strawberry Lemon Drop is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the strawberry puree and simple syrup ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I use a different sweetener besides simple syrup?

Absolutely! Honey or agave nectar would work well as a substitute. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of sweetness.

What if I don’t have Cointreau or triple sec?

If you don’t have either on hand, you can omit it altogether. The drink will still be delicious, just a little less complex.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw them slightly before using and be sure to drain off any excess liquid before muddling or blending.

What’s the best way to make a sugared rim?

The easiest way is to wet the rim of the glass with a lemon wedge, then dip it in sugar. You can also use a simple syrup instead of water for a more intense sweetness.

Strawberry Lemon Drop 

Recipe by Raise Your GlassCourse: Drinks

Servings

2

cocktail

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

15

minutes

Raise your glass to the Strawberry Lemon Drop, a sweet and tangy burst of summer sunshine! Cheers to this delightful concoction where the juicy sweetness of strawberries dances with the zesty brightness of lemon, a playful and refreshing treat for your taste buds.

Ingredients

• For Rimming Glass:

• Granulated sugar

• Water (or lemon slice for wetting the rim)

• Simple Syrup Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup water

• Strawberry Lemon Drop Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vodka

• 2 tbsp simple syrup

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 2 tbsp pureed fresh strawberries

• 1/2 tsp Cointreau or triple sec

Directions

• First, let’s tackle the simple syrup. Combine equal parts sugar and water. Heat this mixture over low heat, watching carefully as the sugar melts. Once dissolved, bump it up to medium-low and keep it heated through, stirring occasionally. After about 2–3 minutes, when it’s slightly thickened, remove it from heat and let it cool completely.
• Now prepare your glasses with a sugared rim. Spread granulated sugar on a small plate, then wet the rim of the glasses with water or a lemon slice. Dip the rim in the sugar, or for a more even coating, try rubbing a lemon slice around the top of the cocktail glass then dipping it in a plate with 1-2 tbsp of sugar. Set aside your prepared glass while you mix the cocktail.
• In a small pitcher or large measuring cup, combine vodka, simple syrup, lemon juice, and strawberry purée. To make the puree, blend fresh strawberries in a blender, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Don’t forget to squeeze some fresh lemon juice – it really makes a difference!
• Add a splash of Cointreau or triple sec for depth. Whisk everything together, then add ice and stir. Alternatively, you can use a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously – this method creates a lovely froth.
• Finally, pour your cocktail into the prepared glasses. For the finishing touch, garnish with fresh lime, lemon, or strawberry slices. Now, it’s time to serve and enjoy!

Notes

• The Strawberry Lemon Drop is typically served in a chilled martini glass or coupe glass.