I’m excited to share my easy Strawberry Lemon Drop Cocktail recipe that anyone can make with just a few ingredients.

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I love cocktails that look fancy but are secretly easy. My Strawberry Lemon Drop is a tiny rebellion against the usual, a bright twist on a Lemon Drop Cocktail.

With vodka and fresh strawberries the sip starts tart and ends unexpectedly sweet, like a joke that lands way better than it should. I always serve it when I want people to say wow, without me doing much.

Sometimes a bit messy, sometimes perfectly photogenic, it makes afternoons feel like they might turn into something more fun. You’ll wanna try it, even if you think cocktails arent your thing.

Ingredients

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Vodka: Neutral spirit, adds boozy warmth and body, no real nutrients, mostly calories.
Lemon juice: Bright sour zip, good vitamin C, tiny fiber, cuts sweetness wakes the palate.
Strawberries: Fresh berry flavor, vitamin C and fiber, natural sweetness, gives color and aroma.
Simple syrup: Equal parts sugar and water, makes cocktail sweet and smooth, no nutrients.
Orange liqueur: Adds orange blossom scent and sweet citrus notes, more alcohol and sugar.
Sugar rim: Granulated sugar adds crunchy sweetness at sip, mostly empty calories on rim.
Ice cubes: Cools and dilutes the drink, tames strength, no flavor or nutrition.
Garnish: Simple lemon wheel or strawberry boosts aroma and looks, signals flavor, edible optional.

Ingredient Quantities

2 oz vodka (preferably plain or citrus)

1/2 oz orange liqueur such as Cointreau or triple sec

3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

3/4 oz simple syrup 1:1

3 fresh strawberries, hulled (about 1 oz or 30 g)

Ice cubes

granulated sugar for rimming, about 1 tablespoon

Lemon wheel or strawberry for garnish

How to Make this

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1. Chill a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes, then rub the rim with a lemon wheel and dip into about 1 tablespoon granulated sugar to coat.

2. Hull 3 fresh strawberries (about 1 oz or 30 g) and toss them into a cocktail shaker.

3. Gently muddle the strawberries until mostly broken down but not a puree, you still want a little texture. Dont over-muddle or the seeds can get bitter.

4. Add 2 oz vodka (plain or citrus), 1/2 oz orange liqueur, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice and 3/4 oz simple syrup (1:1) to the shaker.

5. Fill the shaker with ice cubes, secure the lid, and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty cold.

6. Double strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into the chilled, sugar-rimmed glass to catch seeds and pulp; serve neat or over a few fresh ice cubes if you prefer.

7. Garnish with a lemon wheel or a whole strawberry on the rim.

8. Quick tips: taste and adjust sweetness by adding a little more simple syrup if its too tart, or swap in citrus vodka for a brighter note. For a frozen version, blend the ingredients with a cup of ice until slushy.

Equipment Needed

1. Cocktail shaker with lid (cobbler or Boston style)
2. Muddler or a sturdy wooden spoon
3. Fine mesh strainer for double straining
4. Jigger or measuring shot glass
5. Citrus juicer or handheld reamer
6. Paring knife and small cutting board
7. Chilled martini or coupe glass
8. Ice scoop or tongs and a bowl or tray for ice

FAQ

2 oz vodka (preferably plain or citrus)

1/2 oz orange liqueur such as Cointreau or triple sec

3/4 oz fresh lemon juice

3/4 oz simple syrup 1:1

3 fresh strawberries, hulled (about 1 oz or 30 g)

Ice cubes

granulated sugar for rimming, about 1 tablespoon

Lemon wheel or strawberry for garnish

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries? A: Yes, but thaw them first and drain any excess juice or the drink can get watery.

Q: What glass should I use? A: A coupe or martini style glass is classic, but a rocks glass with a big ice cube works fine too.

Q: How do I make simple syrup 1:1? A: Heat equal parts sugar and water until sugar dissolves, cool before using. No need to boil long.

Q: Can I make this nonalcoholic? A: Sure. Use 2 oz soda water or lemon soda plus 1/2 oz orange juice or nonalcoholic orange cordial.

Q: Why double strain? A: It keeps seeds and pulp out so the cocktail is smooth and looks clean in the glass.

Q: How far ahead can I prep? A: You can muddle strawberries and mix the liquids up to a few hours ahead, keep refrigerated and shake with ice just before serving.

How To Make Strawberry Lemon Drop Recipe Substitutions and Variations

How To Make Strawberry Lemon Drop

2 oz vodka (preferably plain or citrus)
1/2 oz orange liqueur such as Cointreau or triple sec
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz simple syrup 1:1
3 fresh strawberries, hulled (about 1 oz or 30 g)
Ice cubes
granulated sugar for rimming, about 1 tablespoon
Lemon wheel or strawberry for garnish

Short and fun method
1. Chill your glass while you prep. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim and dip it in the granulated sugar to rim the glass.
2. Put the hulled strawberries and the simple syrup in a shaker or bowl and muddle until mostly smooth. If you like tiny bits in your drink don’t over-muddle, otherwise mash well and strain later.
3. Add vodka, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and a handful of ice to the shaker. Shake very hard for 10-15 seconds to get it cold and a bit frothy.
4. Double strain into your sugared glass over fresh ice, or serve straight up if you prefer no ice in the glass. Double straining catches seeds and pulp so the sip is smooth.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel or a whole strawberry on the rim. Taste and, if needed, add a splash more simple syrup for sweetness.

Quick tips
– If your strawberries aren’t super sweet, add a touch more syrup. If they’re super sweet, cut back a little.
– Want it slushy? Blend the muddled strawberries with the rest and crushed ice until smooth.
– Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor, bottled just won’t sing the same.

Substitutions

Vodka -> Tequila blanco: gives a margarita vibe while keeping the cocktail strength
Orange liqueur -> Grand Marnier: richer, slightly oaky orange flavor
Fresh lemon juice -> Fresh lime juice: makes a tangier, brighter drink
Simple syrup 1:1 -> Agave syrup (same amount): smoother sweetness that dissolves easily

Enjoy.

Pro Tips

– Muddle like you mean it but stop before it turns to mush. Press and twist gently so you get juice and little bits of fruit, but dont pulverize the seeds, they turn bitter fast. If you want a silkier drink, press the muddled berries through a fine mesh strainer with the back of a spoon.

– Chill everything you can, not just the glass. Cold shaker and cold ingredients give you a brighter, cleaner taste and a frosty exterior when you shake. If youre in a rush put the glass in the freezer and the shaker in the fridge for a few minutes.

– Double strain, always. Use a fine mesh then a second finer strainer or even a tea strainer to catch seeds and pulp. If you want an extra-smooth mouthfeel run it through a coffee filter once more but know you will lose a little flavor.

– Trim the rim like a pro. Use superfine or sanding sugar, press the citrus firmly on the rim so the sugar sticks, then let it sit for a minute so it sets before pouring. A tiny pinch of salt in the sugar mix will make the fruit pop more, but dont overdo it.

How To Make Strawberry Lemon Drop Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

I'm excited to share my easy Strawberry Lemon Drop Cocktail recipe that anyone can make with just a few ingredients.

Servings

servings

Calories

330

kcal

Equipment: 1. Cocktail shaker with lid (cobbler or Boston style)
2. Muddler or a sturdy wooden spoon
3. Fine mesh strainer for double straining
4. Jigger or measuring shot glass
5. Citrus juicer or handheld reamer
6. Paring knife and small cutting board
7. Chilled martini or coupe glass
8. Ice scoop or tongs and a bowl or tray for ice

Ingredients

2 oz vodka (preferably plain or citrus)
1/2 oz orange liqueur such as Cointreau or triple sec
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
3/4 oz simple syrup 1:1
3 fresh strawberries, hulled (about 1 oz or 30 g)
Ice cubes
granulated sugar for rimming, about 1 tablespoon
Lemon wheel or strawberry for garnish

Directions

Chill a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes, then rub the rim with a lemon wheel and dip into about 1 tablespoon granulated sugar to coat.
Hull 3 fresh strawberries (about 1 oz or 30 g) and toss them into a cocktail shaker.
Gently muddle the strawberries until mostly broken down but not a puree, you still want a little texture. Dont over-muddle or the seeds can get bitter.
Add 2 oz vodka (plain or citrus), 1/2 oz orange liqueur, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice and 3/4 oz simple syrup (1:1) to the shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes, secure the lid, and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty cold.
Double strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into the chilled, sugar-rimmed glass to catch seeds and pulp; serve neat or over a few fresh ice cubes if you prefer.
Garnish with a lemon wheel or a whole strawberry on the rim.
Quick tips: taste and adjust sweetness by adding a little more simple syrup if its too tart, or swap in citrus vodka for a brighter note. For a frozen version, blend the ingredients with a cup of ice until slushy.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.