This Easy Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini is a bright and refreshing drink! It combines sweet strawberries with zesty lemon for a perfect blend of flavors.
Cheers to a fun twist on a classic cocktail! I love to shake this up for friends – it’s simple, pretty, and always a hit at gatherings. 🍓🍋
Enjoy it chilled with a sugar rim for an extra sweet touch. It’s quick to make, so you can sip it while relaxing or celebrating something special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: This is the base spirit of the martini, giving it a smooth kick. I recommend using a good quality vodka for the best flavor. If you’re looking for a lower-alcohol option, try using soda water instead, which changes the drink to a refreshing spritzer.
Triple Sec: This orange liqueur adds sweetness and depth. If you can’t find triple sec, consider using Cointreau or an orange-flavored syrup for a non-alcoholic version. Alternatively, you can skip it entirely and add a little extra simple syrup instead.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is key for brightening the drink. Bottled juice can work in a pinch but won’t have the same freshness. Use the zest along with the juice for an extra flavor boost!
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries blended into a puree provide sweetness and color. If strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries that have been thawed and blended work great as a substitute.
How Can You Make the Perfect Strawberry Puree?
Making strawberry puree is super simple but essential for a smooth martini. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with ripe, fresh strawberries. Wash them thoroughly and remove the stems.
- Place the strawberries in a blender or food processor. Blend until you reach a smooth consistency. If you prefer chunkier puree, pulse lightly.
- If you want extra sweetness or a touch of citrus, add a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of lemon juice before blending.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you don’t want seeds in your drink.
Perfecting your puree makes the drink look beautiful and adds a delightful flavor that pairs well with lemon!
Easy Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz triple sec (orange liqueur)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1 oz fresh strawberry puree (about 3-4 strawberries)
- 1 tsp simple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Ice
- Granulated sugar (for rimming the glass)
- Lemon slices and whole strawberries (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cocktail takes about 10 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’re looking at a quick mix and blend and no need for extensive cooking, making it the perfect refreshment for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Glass:
Start by prepping your martini glass. Take a lemon wedge and rub it around the rim of the glass to moisten it. Next, dip the rim into granulated sugar to create a beautiful sugared edge. Set the glass aside while you mix the drink.
2. Make the Strawberry Puree:
For the strawberry puree, gather about 3-4 fresh, ripe strawberries. Remove the stems and wash them well. Blend these strawberries in a blender or food processor until they’re smooth. If you prefer, you can strain the puree to remove seeds for a smoother finish, but that’s totally up to you!
3. Mixed Ingredients:
Take a cocktail shaker and add the vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, strawberry puree, and optional simple syrup if you like it a bit sweeter. This mix of ingredients will create the lovely flavor of the martini.
4. Shake It Up:
Fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Cover it and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You want the drink to be really chilled and well combined. Trust me, this step is vital for a refreshing cocktail!
5. Strain and Serve:
Now, take your prepared martini glass and strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass. Make sure to use a fine mesh strainer if you want to avoid any strawberry bits getting through.
6. Garnish:
To make it look extra fancy, garnish your martini with a fresh strawberry on the rim and a lemon wheel alongside it. This not only enhances the appearance but also adds that citrusy aroma as you take a sip!
7. Enjoy:
Serve your Easy Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini immediately and enjoy the refreshing burst of flavors with every sip. Perfect for celebrations or relaxing on a sunny day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Puree?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries are a great option when fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw them before blending to create your puree. This will still give you that delicious strawberry flavor!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Martini?
If you find the martini too tart, you can easily adjust the sweetness. Add more simple syrup to taste or increase the amount of strawberry puree. Start with a small amount and taste as you go!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Martini?
If you have leftover mixed ingredients (not the garnishes), you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to serve the martini fresh, as the ingredients may separate and affect the texture.
Can I Make This Drink Non-Alcoholic?
Definitely! Simply replace the vodka and triple sec with sparkling water or lemonade. You can also add a splash of orange juice for extra flavor. This mocktail version will still be refreshing and delicious!
