I created a Peach Lemon Drop using fresh lemon and peach and one unexpected ingredient that made me rethink how a martini comes together.

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I fell for a Peach Lemon Drop the first time I tasted one, so I kept chasing that bright, tangy kick and imperfectly nailed it at a backyard brunch. I love how the lemon bite masks the smooth vodka until it hits you mid sip, makes you smile and think why didnt I make this sooner.

I always add a lemon wheel or thin peach slice for a little show, people instantly start calling it a Lemon Drop Martini Recipe or whisper Peach Lemon Drop like it’s some secret. Try it on a hot night, youll be glad you did.

Ingredients

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Vodka: Clean, neutral spirit, no nutrients really, adds alcohol warmth and smooth simple backbone.
Peach schnapps: Sweet, sugary liqueur, mostly carbs, gives peach flavor and extra sweetness, not healthy.
Fresh lemon juice: Bright, acidic, low calorie, vitamin C and tartness that balances sweetness, adds zip.
Simple syrup: Pure sugar water, all carbs, makes drink smooth and sweet, goes down easy.
Peach puree or nectar: Real peach puree has fiber and natural sugars, more body and fresh fruit notes.
Sugar for rimming: Sugary rim adds crunch and sweetness first sip, extra carbs and calories.
Lemon wheel or peach slice garnish: Mostly decorative, adds aroma and hint of flavor, makes cocktail look nicer.
Ice cubes: Dilutes and chills, lowers strength over time, affects mouthfeel and temperature.

Ingredient Quantities

2 oz vodka (60 ml) not cheap

1 oz peach schnapps (30 ml)

1 oz fresh lemon juice (30 ml)

3/4 oz simple syrup (22 ml)

1 oz peach puree or peach nectar (30 ml)

Ice cubes

Sugar for rimming the glass

Lemon wheel or thin peach slice for garnish

How to Make this

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1. Chill a martini glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes, then rub a lemon wedge around the rim and dip it into sugar to coat the edge.

2. If using fresh peaches: peel and blend one ripe peach until smooth, then strain for 1 oz (30 ml) peach puree, otherwise measure 1 oz peach nectar.

3. In a cocktail shaker add 2 oz (60 ml) vodka (not cheap), 1 oz (30 ml) peach schnapps, 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz (22 ml) simple syrup and the 1 oz peach puree or nectar.

4. Fill the shaker with ice cubes, dont skimp on ice, it chills and dilutes correctly.

5. Shake hard for about 15 to 20 seconds until the shaker gets frosty and cold.

6. Double strain into the sugar rimmed martini glass to catch ice shards and any peach pulp for a smooth drink.

7. Garnish with a lemon wheel or a thin peach slice on the rim, you can also put it inside the drink if you like.

8. Taste and tweak: add a splash more simple syrup if you want sweeter, or a little extra lemon if you want it brighter. Serve right away, its best when super cold.

Equipment Needed

1. Martini glass — chill in the freezer 5 to 10 minutes so its super cold
2. Cocktail shaker (Boston or cobbler) with a tight lid
3. Jigger or measuring spoons (60 ml and 30 ml marks)
4. Blender or small food processor to puree a fresh peach
5. Fine mesh strainer for a smooth peach puree and to catch ice shards
6. Citrus juicer or handheld reamer for fresh lemon juice
7. Ice scoop or tongs and a tub of ice cubes — dont skimp on ice
8. Small plate for rimming sugar and a paring knife or peeler for the lemon wheel or peach slice garnish

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen or canned peaches instead of fresh? A: Yes, thaw frozen peaches and blitz them into a puree, or use canned peaches but watch the added sugar, you might want less simple syrup if the can is syrup packed.

Q: How do I rim the glass with sugar? A: Rub a lemon wedge around the glass rim, dip the wet rim into sugar on a plate, let it set for a minute, then chill the glass so the sugar doesn't fall off when you pour.

Q: What's the easiest way to make peach puree? A: Cut fresh or thawed frozen peaches and blend with a tablespoon or two of water until smooth, strain if you want silky texture, or just use peach nectar for a quicker option.

Q: Can I make this less sweet or non alcoholic? A: To cut sweetness use 1/2 oz simple syrup or less and swap peach schnapps for peach juice plus a splash of peach extract; for a mocktail replace vodka and schnapps with extra peach nectar and a non alcoholic spirit or soda, then adjust lemon to taste.

Q: Shake or stir, and do I double strain? A: Shake vigorously with ice to chill and get the right dilution, then double strain into the sugar rimmed martini glass to catch ice shards and peach pulp, it's worth the extra step.

Q: How many drinks does this make and can I batch it? A: This is one cocktail, but you can multiply the recipe to batch for a party, keep it chilled and add ice and shake each serving, or premix minus ice and store up to 24 hours in the fridge for best flavor.

Peach Lemon Drop: Easy Summer Martini Recipe! Substitutions and Variations

Vodka: swap with gin for a floral twist, use the same 2 oz, or try blanco tequila for a brighter, slightly peppery vibe — both will change the drink but they work well.
Peach schnapps: swap with a better peach liqueur at 1 oz, or use 1 oz peach nectar plus 1/2 oz triple sec or Cointreau to bring back sweetness and body.
Simple syrup: swap with honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water) or 3/4 oz agave nectar straight, both pair nicely with lemon and peach.
Peach puree: swap with blended canned peaches (drain first) or apricot puree/nectar at the same volume, you’ll get a similar texture and sweet fruit flavor.

Pro Tips

1) Chill and rim like a pro: put your glass in the freezer longer than you think, and use superfine sugar or mix regular sugar with a little grated lemon zest so it sticks and smells great. Press the rim gently and let it sit a minute so the sugar sets, otherwise it flakes off when you pour.

2) Upgrade the peach puree: if your peaches arent perfectly ripe, macerate them with a pinch of sugar and a squeeze of lemon for 10 minutes before blending. Strain through a fine mesh or coffee filter for a silky texture, or freeze puree in small cubes so you can chill the drink without watering it down too fast.

3) Shake smarter, not just harder: do a quick dry shake first if using fresh fruit to get everything emulsified, then add ice and shake again until the shaker is very cold. Use plenty of ice and big cubes in your shaker to control dilution, and always double strain into the glass so you dont end up with pulp and shards.

4) Fine tune the flavor: a tiny pinch of salt or a couple drops of bitters makes the sweetness less cloying, and swapping some simple syrup for honey syrup or elderflower adds depth. Taste before you serve, and garnish with a citrus twist rubbed on the rim for an extra aroma boost.

Peach Lemon Drop: Easy Summer Martini Recipe!

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

I created a Peach Lemon Drop using fresh lemon and peach and one unexpected ingredient that made me rethink how a martini comes together.

Servings

servings

Calories

340

kcal

Equipment: 1. Martini glass — chill in the freezer 5 to 10 minutes so its super cold
2. Cocktail shaker (Boston or cobbler) with a tight lid
3. Jigger or measuring spoons (60 ml and 30 ml marks)
4. Blender or small food processor to puree a fresh peach
5. Fine mesh strainer for a smooth peach puree and to catch ice shards
6. Citrus juicer or handheld reamer for fresh lemon juice
7. Ice scoop or tongs and a tub of ice cubes — dont skimp on ice
8. Small plate for rimming sugar and a paring knife or peeler for the lemon wheel or peach slice garnish

Ingredients

2 oz vodka (60 ml) not cheap
1 oz peach schnapps (30 ml)
1 oz fresh lemon juice (30 ml)
3/4 oz simple syrup (22 ml)
1 oz peach puree or peach nectar (30 ml)
Ice cubes
Sugar for rimming the glass
Lemon wheel or thin peach slice for garnish

Directions

Chill a martini glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes, then rub a lemon wedge around the rim and dip it into sugar to coat the edge.
If using fresh peaches: peel and blend one ripe peach until smooth, then strain for 1 oz (30 ml) peach puree, otherwise measure 1 oz peach nectar.
In a cocktail shaker add 2 oz (60 ml) vodka (not cheap), 1 oz (30 ml) peach schnapps, 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz (22 ml) simple syrup and the 1 oz peach puree or nectar.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes, dont skimp on ice, it chills and dilutes correctly.
Shake hard for about 15 to 20 seconds until the shaker gets frosty and cold.
Double strain into the sugar rimmed martini glass to catch ice shards and any peach pulp for a smooth drink.
Garnish with a lemon wheel or a thin peach slice on the rim, you can also put it inside the drink if you like.
Taste and tweak: add a splash more simple syrup if you want sweeter, or a little extra lemon if you want it brighter. Serve right away, its best when super cold.

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.