This Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini is a fun and zesty drink perfect for warm days! It combines fresh strawberries, tangy lemon juice, and a splash of vodka for a delightful sip.
I love how refreshing this drink is! It’s like summer in a glass—just be careful, it can disappear quickly! 🍓🍋 Cheers to enjoying it with friends or just relaxing on your own.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: This is the base spirit of the martini. If you prefer a different flavor, you can use flavored vodka like citrus or berry for an extra fruit kick. I personally enjoy a smooth vodka for a cleaner taste.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the drink! If you’re out of fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works too, but fresh is always better when possible.
Strawberry Puree: For homemade puree, blend fresh strawberries until smooth. If strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries can be a good substitute—just thaw and blend them.
Simple Syrup: You can make this easily by mixing equal parts water and sugar. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use honey or agave syrup to sweeten your drink!
How Do I Make Sure My Cocktail is Extra Chilled?
Shaking the martini well is crucial for a chilled drink. Here’s how to ensure it’s refreshing:
- Fill your shaker halfway with ice before adding the ingredients. This helps chill them quickly.
- Shake vigorously! This not only cools the drink but also mixes the flavors beautifully. Aim for at least 20 seconds.
- For an appropriate chill, make sure your glass is cold too. You can chill it beforehand by adding ice and water, then dumping it before pouring the cocktail.
Refreshing Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1 oz strawberry puree (fresh strawberries blended)
- 3/4 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Granulated sugar (for rimming the glass)
- Fresh strawberry and lemon wheel (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend just a few moments preparing the ingredients and mixing, so you can enjoy this refreshing drink in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Begin by preparing your martini glass. Rub a wedge of lemon around the rim of the glass to moisten it. Then, dip the rim into a plate of granulated sugar to coat it evenly. This will give your martini a lovely sweet touch and a beautiful presentation. Set the glass aside for later.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, fresh lemon juice, strawberry puree, and simple syrup. Feel free to adjust the amount of simple syrup depending on how sweet you like your drink!
3. Shake It Up:
Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes. Now, it’s time to shake! Put the lid on tightly and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. This will chill and mix all the ingredients beautifully.
4. Strain and Pour:
After shaking, strain the mixture into your prepared martini glass. Be careful to leave any leftover ice in the shaker to ensure a nice smooth pour!
5. Garnish and Serve:
For the finishing touch, garnish the rim of the glass with a fresh strawberry and a lemon wheel. This not only makes it look fantastic but adds an extra hint of flavor.
6. Enjoy
Serve immediately and take a moment to enjoy your creation. Sip slowly, relax, and revel in the refreshing flavors of your Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini!
Can I Use Different Fruits for the Puree?
Absolutely! While this recipe features strawberries, you can experiment with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a delicious twist. Just make sure to blend them until smooth for the best consistency.
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter drink, simply add more simple syrup to taste. You can also try using a sweeter fruit puree. Remember to mix well after any adjustments to ensure an even flavor.
Can I Make This Cocktail in Advance?
It’s best to prepare this cocktail fresh to maintain its vibrant flavors and chill. However, you can pre-make the strawberry puree and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just mix it all together with the rest of the ingredients when you’re ready to serve!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Ingredients?
If you have leftover ingredients, store any unused strawberry puree in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Fresh lemon juice can also be stored similarly, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for the brightest flavor. Be sure to check for any spoilage before using!
