Copycat Cutwater Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

14

When I discovered the Cutwater Lemon Drop Martini, it became my go-to for those moments when I wanted a cocktail without the hassle of mixing. But sometimes, nothing beats the experience of crafting that perfect drink yourself.

How to make a Cutwater Lemon Drop Martini

Cutwater Lemon Drop Martini is a ready-to-drink canned cocktail made by Cutwater Spirits, a San Diego–based beverage brand.

Ingredients

To replicate the smooth and vibrant flavors of the Cutwater Lemon Drop Martini, you’ll need the following:

For a single serving:

• 2 oz Vodka: For a Cutwater-inspired twist, use a premium vodka. You can use Cutwater’s Vodka or your favorite brand for a clean and crisp base.
• 1 oz Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is key for a bright and natural citrus taste.
• 1 oz Triple Sec (or Orange Liqueur): This adds sweetness and orange undertones. Popular choices include Cointreau or Triple Sec.
• ¾ oz Simple Syrup: You can adjust this to suit your preferred level of sweetness. Simple syrup is made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water.

Optional Garnish:

• Lemon zest or a lemon twist
• Sugar for rimming the glass

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Glass

1. Rim your martini glass with sugar to add an extra touch of sweetness to each sip. To do this:
2. Run a wedge of lemon around the rim of the glass.
3. Dip the rim in sugar and rotate gently to coat it evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Cocktail

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the vodka, fresh lemon juice, triple sec, and simple syrup to the shaker. Make sure to measure carefully for balance!

Step 3: Shake It Up

1. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds. This chills the drink while also diluting it slightly, ensuring a smooth and well-balanced flavor.

Step 4: Strain and Serve

1. Strain the mixture into your prepared martini glass.
2. Garnish with a lemon twist or zest for that elegant finishing touch.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Drop Martini

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this cocktail is simple and vodka-forward, the quality of the ingredients matters. Opt for premium vodka, fresh lemon juice, and a high-quality orange liqueur.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a tarter drink, reduce the amount of simple syrup slightly. For a sweeter martini, add a touch more. It’s all about personal preference!
• Chill Everything: Ensure your vodka and glass are chilled before making the drink. You can pop your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving for that icy experience.
• Keep It Balanced: The key to a perfect Lemon Drop Martini is balancing the sour (lemon juice), sweet (simple syrup), and alcohol (vodka and triple sec). Don’t overdo one at the expense of the others.
• Try a Twist: For fun variations, consider adding a splash of sparkling water on top for a fizzy twist, or experiment with flavored syrups (like lavender or honey) to give it a unique spin.

What to serve with

A Cutwater Lemon Drop Martini is a delightfully crisp and refreshing cocktail that pairs beautifully with a variety of foods.

1. Shrimp Cocktail: The fresh, briny flavors of shrimp cocktail paired with a tangy cocktail sauce perfectly complement the zesty lemon notes in your Lemon Drop Martini. The light and refreshing nature of the shrimp also mirrors the crispness of the drink.

2. Smoked Salmon Canapés: Smoked salmon on crisp toasts or cucumber slices with a dollop of crème fraîche makes for an elegant and flavorful bite. The smoky, rich salmon is balanced by the martini’s citrusy and sweet notes.

3. Goat Cheese and Herb Crostini: Creamy goat cheese topped with fresh herbs and a drizzle of honey on toasted crostini will pair seamlessly with the sweet and sour profile of the Lemon Drop Martini. The tangy goat cheese enhances the cocktail’s lemony freshness.

4. Caprese Skewers: Skewers of cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a simple yet delicious accompaniment. The basil and tomatoes play well with the citrusy flavors of the drink.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Cutwater Lemon Drop Martini owes its deliciousness to the perfect balance of citrusy tang, sweetness, and a silky vodka base. But what if you’re missing an ingredient? Don’t worry—there’s no need to abandon your cocktail-making mission! With these clever substitutes, you can enjoy your version of a Lemon Drop Martini without compromising on flavor.

1. Vodka Substitutes

The vodka in a Lemon Drop Martini provides a smooth, clean alcoholic base that highlights the citrus flavors without overpowering them. If you don’t have vodka or prefer an alternative, here are some options:

• Gin: If you enjoy botanical notes, gin can be an excellent substitute for vodka. Its herbal and floral tones offer a slightly different, more nuanced flavor.
• White Rum or Silver Tequila: Both white rum and silver tequila can work as vodka substitutes. Rum adds a touch of sweetness, while tequila brings a crisp and slightly peppery bite that pairs well with the lemon.
• Non-Alcoholic Spirit: For a mocktail or low-alcohol alternative, use a non-alcoholic vodka substitute designed for cocktails. Brands like Seedlip have options that mimic the smoothness of vodka without the alcohol.

2. Fresh Lemon Juice Substitutes

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for the bright and tangy flavor that makes a Lemon Drop Martini shine. But if you’re out of lemons, try these alternatives:

• Bottled Lemon Juice: While fresh is best, high-quality bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Look for an organic or preservative-free option for the closest taste to fresh juice.
• Lime Juice: Lime juice makes the cocktail a little sharper and zestier—it’s not the same as lemon but offers a refreshing citrus flavor that’s still delicious.
• Orange or Grapefruit Juice: For a sweeter or more mellow alternative, freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice can replace lemon juice. However, this will change the flavor profile and make the martini closer to a citrus punch than a traditional Lemon Drop.
• Citric Acid Solution: Dissolve a pinch of powdered citric acid in water for a strong and tart lemon substitute. Use sparingly—citric acid is very concentrated.

3. Triple Sec (Orange Liqueur) Substitutes

Triple Sec provides orange undertones and sweetness to the Lemon Drop Martini. If you don’t have Triple Sec on hand, here are some substitutions:

• Cointreau: An elevated alternative to Triple Sec, Cointreau is slightly richer but offers the same orange flavor.
• Grand Marnier: Made from cognac and orange essence, Grand Marnier adds a deeper, slightly more complex orange flavor with hints of vanilla.
• Orange Syrup: If you’re avoiding alcohol or simply out of orange liqueurs, orange-flavored syrup works well as a substitute. Adjust the sweetness by using less simple syrup alongside it.
• Orange Extract + Water: Dilute a few drops of orange extract in water and use it as a replacement. Keep in mind this option doesn’t provide the alcohol feel or depth of flavor but works for a non-alcoholic twist.

4. Simple Syrup Substitutes

Simple syrup sweetens the martini and balances the tartness of lemon juice. If you don’t have simple syrup, you can make your own or use these alternatives:

• Honey Syrup: Mix honey and warm water (1:1 ratio) to create honey syrup. This adds a natural, slightly floral sweetness to your martini.
• Agave Syrup: Agave syrup is a great option for cocktails as it dissolves easily and has a mild flavor similar to simple syrup.
• Maple Syrup: For an unexpected twist, maple syrup can act as a substitute. It introduces a richer sweetness but may slightly alter the flavor profile.
• Granulated Sugar: Dissolve granulated sugar directly into the shaken cocktail to mimic simple syrup. It’s less ideal, as sugar takes longer to dissolve, but it works if you’re in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Cutwater Lemon Drop Martini is simpler than you think, and the best part is you can tailor it to your tastes. Crisp, vibrant, and oh-so-refreshing—you’ll fall in love with this cocktail all over again. 

More Cutwater Recipes:

• Copycat Cutwater Pina Colada Recipe
• Copycat Cutwater Lime Margarita Recipe
• Copycat Cutwater White Russian Recipe