Ketel One Lemon Drop Martini Recipe: Classic Cocktail
By Alcohol Delivery Los Angeles | Sipsy: LA's Best Alcohol Service | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to make a perfect Ketel One Lemon Drop Martini at home. This easy vodka cocktail recipe uses fresh ingredients for a bright, balanced drink.
Quick Answer
Shake 2 oz Ketel One vodka with ¾ oz fresh lemon juice and ½ oz simple syrup over ice, then strain into a chilled martini glass with a sugared rim. The result is a crisp, balanced Lemon Drop Martini that rivals any cocktail bar pour.
Why Ketel One Works Best
Ketel One vodka is distilled in copper pot stills, giving it a smooth, clean character that lets the citrus shine without harshness. For a Lemon Drop Martini, a neutral but refined vodka is key—any off-flavors in the spirit will stand out against the bright lemon. Ketel One's subtle vanilla and citrus notes complement the fresh lemon juice rather than competing with it.
Choosing Your Lemon Juice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable for this cocktail. Bottled lemon juice adds a metallic, sour note that throws off the balance. Roll the lemon on the counter before cutting to release more juice, and strain out seeds and pulp for a cleaner finish. One medium lemon yields about 2 tablespoons of juice, so you will need roughly 2 lemons for a single drink.
Step-by-Step: Making the Ketel One Lemon Drop Martini
- Prepare the Glass: Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled martini glass, then dip the rim into a plate of superfine sugar. Let it dry for 30 seconds so the sugar adheres. Common mistake: sugaring the rim too thickly makes the first sip cloying. Use a light, even coating.
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 2 oz Ketel One vodka, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, and ½ oz simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is frosty. Shaking too briefly leaves the drink warm and unbalanced. The ice should be well-chilled and the mixture thoroughly diluted.
- Strain and Serve: Double-strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass to catch any ice shards or lemon pulp. Garnish with a thin lemon wheel or a twist of lemon peel, expressing the oils over the surface. Skipping the double-strain can leave unwanted ice chips that water down the cocktail as they melt. Serve immediately.
The Vodka That Makes It Work
- Ketel One Lemon Drop Martini - 375ml: Ketel One Lemon Drop Martini 375ml. Crisp, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. The Ketel One Lemon Drop Martini delivers the classic cocktail experience with bright citrus notes, smooth Ketel One vodka, and a touch of sweetness. Ready-to-drink and perfectly portioned in a 375ml bottle, it’s ideal for personal enjoyment or small gatherings. If you want the exact same flavor profile without measuring or shaking, this pre-bottled version saves time while delivering a consistent, bar-quality Lemon Drop Martini. Great for parties or a quick single serving.
