If you’ve ever played bartender all night instead of actually enjoying the party, this one’s for you. This Batch Lemon Drop Martini Recipe lets you skip the constant shaking and just pour yourself something fabulous like the host you are. It’s bright, citrusy, just the right amount of sweet, and dangerously easy to drink! Hide a little extra for yourself in the back of the fridge. No judgment.

Refreshing Lemon Drop Martini in a glass with fresh lemons and a bottle labeled "Lemon Drop Martini" for easy cocktail recipe.

Servings: 4 (for batch) or individual
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

Batch Cocktail:

4 oz. lemon juice or juice from 4 lemons
8 oz. vodka
2 oz. orange liqueur
4 oz. simple syrup (ours is brown because we use cane sugar)
granulated sugar (for rim)
lemons for garnish
Ice

Individual Cocktail:

1 oz. lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
2 oz. vodka
½ oz. triple sec or your favorite orange liqueur
1 oz. simple syrup
granulated sugar (for rim)
lemons for garnish
Ice

vodka, simple syrup, orange liqueur, lemons and small bowl with sugar on a wooden board.

Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Love all things lemon?

Same! Try our lemon and rosemary chicken for an easy dinner or our lemon iced mini muffins for when you’re feeling snacky.

Batch Instructions:

Step 1: Grab a container that holds at least 20 ounces. Pour in lemon juice, vodka, orange liqueur, and simple syrup.

Step 2: If serving immediately, prepare the martini glasses by pouring a little sugar on a plate. Add some lemon juice to the rims of the glasses, then press the rim into the sugar until it’s thoroughly coated. Add ice to the pitcher and shake vigorously before straining into martini glasses. If serving later, refrigerate until cold, then pour into prepared sugar rimmed glasses.

Refreshing Lemon Drop Martini with Lemon Slice Garnish.

Individual Cocktail Directions:

Step 1: Pour a bit of granulated sugar on a small plate and set aside. Squeeze the juice from one lemon or measure an ounce of bottled lemon juice. Use leftover lemon rind or a wedge of lemon to add a bit of juice to the rim of a martini glass and dip into sugar.

Step 2: Measure and pour in triple sec or orange liquer, vodka, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously over ice.

Step 3: Strain drink into martini glass, garnish with a slice of lemon and enjoy!

Tips for easy homemade cocktails:

Simple Syrup is easily made at home (link in the ingredients). It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.
A sugar substitute of your choice can also be used to make a reduced sugar simple syrup.
Chill the martini glass(es) in the freezer for 10 minutes first for an icy cold cocktail.

More Batch Cocktails:

Ready to Roll Old Fashioned – for the bourbon enthusiasts
Sparkling White Sangria – bubbly cocktail for all occasions

Batch Lemon Drop Martini Recipe (Easy Pitcher Cocktail for a Crowd)

Elegant Lemon Drop Martini garnished with a lemon wheel and sugar-rimmed glass, served alongside a pitcher of fresh lemon cocktail. Perfect for a crowd, this easy pitcher cocktail recipe is ideal for.

This Batch Lemon Drop Martini Recipe is a simple, make-ahead pitcher cocktail that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you don’t feel like playing bartender all night.

Beth

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Ingredients

4 oz. lemon juice
8 oz. vodka
2 oz. orange liqueur
4 oz. simple syrup
granulated sugar for rim
lemons for garnish
Ice

Instructions

Step 1: Grab a container that holds at least 20 ounces. Pour in lemon juice, vodka, orange liqueur, and simple syrup.
Step 2: If serving immediately, prepare the martini glasses by pouring a little sugar on a plate. Add some lemon juice to the rims of the glasses, then press the rim into the sugar until it’s thoroughly coated. Add ice to the pitcher and shake vigorously before straining into martini glasses. If serving later, refrigerate until cold, then pour into prepared sugar rimmed glasses.