Lilac Lemon Drop Martini

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
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Updated on 05/13/21
Colleen Graham's Lilac Lemon Drop Martini

The Spruce / S&C Design Studios

Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail

Sweet, refreshing, and slightly tart, this Lilac Lemon Drop Martini is a perfect spring cocktail and it is very easy to make. The recipe is a variation of the popular Lemon Drop Martini, it simply brings a bright floral flavor into the vodka martini.

The key to this drink is the easy to make lilac simple syrup. It's a great way to add the sweet fragrance and flavor of lilacs into a variety of drinks. Lilacs only bloom in spring, so this is a very seasonal recipe. It is one that you will want to take full advantage of when those pretty purple blossoms make their annual appearance.

Ingredients

  • Granulated sugar, for optional rim

  • 1 1/2 ounces vodka

  • 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

  • 1/2 ounce lilac simple syrup

  • Lemon twist, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. If you like, rim a cocktail glass with sugar: Wet the rim by wiping a piece of lemon around the rim, then dip it into a small dish of sugar.

  3. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.

  4. Shake well.

  5. Strain into the prepared cocktail glass.

  6. Garnish with the lemon twist. Serve and enjoy.

Tips

  • The Vodka. As with most vodka martinis, it's recommended to use a premium brand of vodka because this martini deserves a great vodka. After all, this is a once-a-year drink and if you go to the trouble of making the lilac syrup, you might as well do it up right.
  • You may also want to try a flavored vodka for this cocktail. Any citrus vodka should work quite well and strawberry vodka may also be a good option. When playing with the lilac syrup I found that it pairs wonderfully with strawberries, so give it a try!
  • The Lilacs. It's very likely that this may be your first taste of lilacs and you will be pleasantly surprised. The purple flower has a flavor similar to lavender, though it's a bit more floral like rose water. It's a fun and unique taste and will vary slightly based on the variety of lilac you choose to forage.
  • The Lemon. The homemade syrup and premium vodka call for the best lemon juice you can buy and that comes directly from the fruit itself. For drinks like this with such a transparent flavor and simple ingredient list, taking the time to juice a few lemons will do wonders for the final taste. Before squeezing your lemons, cut a few lemon spirals for garnishes. Twist the spirals and store them in ice water in the refrigerator until your martini's ready.
  • While you're at it, juice a few extra lemons and use the lilac syrup to make a floral homemade lemonade. It's fantastic and a spring delight the entire family can enjoy.

How Strong is the Lilac Lemon Drop Martini?

As far as vodka martinis go, the Lilac Lemon Drop Martini is average to below average when it comes to the alcohol content. This is because the shot of vodka is the only liquor, so the cocktail comes in around 18 percent ABV (36 proof).

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
130 Calories
0g Fat
9g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 130
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 1mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 9g 3%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 17mg 83%
Calcium 10mg 1%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 34mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)